HEALTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT+ 2°
HISTORY - FACTS - FIGURES - SOLUTIONS
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Table of contents
2 INTRODUCTION Yet Another Climate Report? No!
9 FIRST PART Climate Change: from Awareness to Action
21 SECOND PART Eight Challenges (but only one Earth!) 22 CHALLENGE 1: Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 30 CHALLENGE 2: Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 38 CHALLENGE 3: Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 44 CHALLENGE 4: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Needs 52 CHALLENGE 5: Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 60 CHALLENGE 6: Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 68 CHALLENGE 7: Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate 76 CHALLENGE 8: Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health
84 The French Red Cross and Climate Change
91 THIRD PART Our Recommendations
94 CONCLUSION Our Responsibility
98 Acknowledgements
1 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C NP GUILLAUMEMYOP BINET/ Introduction
2 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Introduction 3 Yet Another Climate Report? No!
This call, we will his document is neither a scientific report, a symposium highlight it and report, nor a new alert. It is not an operational guide or a presentation of good practices from the five continents. Or bring it to all national and rather, it is a bit of each of these, all at once. international institutions; it will be the cornerstone of our TIt is designed for all those who want to understand the links between climate and health, and who want to know how to mitigate the health mobilization in order to bring consequences of climate change. It contains figures, examples of awareness of the population’s concrete actions, good practices and recommendations to address the health into account in this climatic st greatest public health challenge of the 21 century. crisis, which is The issue of climate change and its consequences occupies a large part just beginning.” of the global agenda. At various levels from one continent to another and as the political landscape shifts, humans are increasingly aware Excerpt from the closing speech of Professor JEAN-JACQUES ELEDJAM, of the threat their lifestyles pose to their own future and that of their President of the French Red Cross, ecosystem. Cannes, 16 April 2019. Stéphane Rémael@LaCompany As usual, the most fragile and vulnerable people are the first and the most affected. The specific issue of health consequences is not yet This document, originally published in French, has been translated into sufficiently addressed. English, Spanish and Arabic. You can find the different versions on the website https://worldconference.croix-rouge.fr
2 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Introduction 3 100 years later, health emergency is different but still present. The need to coordinate the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was undeniable. As, while epidemics were the greatest public health challenge of the first half of the 20th century, they only make up a tiny fraction of the 21st century health consequences of climate change.
2019 was the warmest year ever recorded.
2019, a year marked by heatwaves in Europe, India and Pakistan, forest fires in the Amazon, floods in North America, Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, and Hurricane Idai in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 2019, a year of citizen mobilisations and COP 25 in Madrid. 2019, the year of the World Conference on “Health and Climate Change” hosted in Cannes by the French Red Cross, attended by representatives from more than 70 countries.
1919 – 2019: Rising to the challenges of one’s century
In 1919, the world was recovering from four years of deadly war, yet, the number of casualties was much lower than that of the “Spanish” flu epidemic that was rampant in all continents.
The Red Cross National Committees, each operating in its own territory, were completely overwhelmed. At the beginning of 1919, typhus broke out in Poland and threatened to spread to Europe.
The Red Cross could not remain inactive, and, Henry Davison, then chairman of the American committee, called on all National Committees to come together and form an international Red Cross organisation in peacetime, in order to coordinate their operations as best they could to combat the future epidemic.
To this end, he convened an international medical conference in Cannes from 1 to 11 April, with the support of the French, British, Italian and Japanese committees.
The conference was a great success, both in terms of the quality of its participants – the elite of the international medical profession (at least of the victorious nations) was present – and for its unanimous and ambitious conclusions.
It was at that conference that a Health Bureau was established as a prelude to the World Health Organisation, and when it emerged that there was an urgent need for a body to coordinate Red Cross committees to act in peacetime. “It is up to us to build something, not for the present, but for all times,” said Henry Davison on that occasion.
4 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Introduction 5 Climate change: what exactly is it about?
Our planet has already recorded global warming by about 1°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This warming is attributed to greenhouse gas emissions from the human activities developed since industrialisation: energy, industry, transport, agriculture, housing, waste, etc. By keeping up the current rate of emissions, it is likely that a 1.5°C global warming above pre-industrial levels will be reached between 2030 and 2052.1
These degree decimals are paramount. Indeed, the Paris Climate Agreement, which was adopted at COP 21 by almost all countries in the world, commits its signatories to contain “the rise in the average temperature of the planet well below 2°C above FOCUS pre-industrial levels and [to pursue] efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, on the understanding that this would significantly reduce the WORD CONFERENCE ON HEALTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE: risks and effects of climate change.”2 “TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C”
The differences between 1.5°C and 2°C are significant and even alarming: increases in In 1919, the Red Crosses of Japan, the United States, Italy, Great Britain and France met in Cannes to prepare a response to the great challenges of the average temperatures on land and in the oceans, extreme temperatures, heavy rains 20th century, and to launch the International Federation of Red Cross and Red or severe droughts depending on the region. These consequences are called climate Crescent Societies, which is now the world’s leading humanitarian movement. change. They lead to many imbalances not only affecting human health, but also biodiversity, livelihoods and economic growth. 100 years later - to the day - 70 countries gathered at the initiative of the French Red Cross to respond to the greatest public health challenge of the 21st century under the topic “Health and Climate Change: Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C.”
At the premises of the founding conference of 1919, more than 80 high-level speakers from all walks of life - political leaders, scientists, academics, field humanitarian operators, entrepreneurs, young leaders of the future, members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - shared their perspectives and compared their knowledge over 12 conferences covering topics as diverse as urban heatwaves, mental health, epidemics, population “The health effects of climate change are movements, food insecurity, ecosystem protection, etc.
unacceptable, unequivocal and are being More than 500 participants from 70 countries came to understand, discuss and experienced by everyone around propose concrete and innovative solutions. This first “humanitarian COP” made it possible to highlight the singular the world today. No one is safe. initiative of the Red Cross and its partners, based on ideas that are as simple as NICK WATTS, Executive Director of Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on they are essential and actions that are concrete as they are urgent. Health and Climate Change This document recaps the main ideas developed at the World Conference. All content is available on the dedicated website: worldconference.croix-rouge.frFOCUSFOCUS
4 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C IntroductionIntroduction 5 5 How are climate change and health connected? “To reduce the likelihood that the impacts of climate change will seriously affect This document uses the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely our health, we need to set up effective the absence of disease and infirmity.” There are three identified types of impacts of adaptation mechanisms climate change on human health: and reduce greenhouse gas > Direct health consequences The consequences of climate change can cause direct harm to the physical or emissions. mental integrity of individuals. Indeed, the gradual rise in temperatures or the SIR ANDY HAINES, Professor of Environmental Change and Public increased occurrence of extreme weather or climatic events often takes a heavy toll Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on human lives, in addition to causing anxiety, as well as a number of psychological disorders.
> Indirect health consequences Climate change also contributes to the deterioration of the health conditions in which people live, by altering the quality of breathing air, the quality of water absorbed or by altering the spatial and temporal nature of areas conducive to The difference between mitigation and adaptation pathogens (bacteria, disease vectors, allergenic pollen, etc.). There are two approaches to tackling climate change. The first is mitigation, aimed at > Consequences on the social, economic and environmental determinants of health reducing or deleting the causes of climate change, mainly greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change has multiple implications for the social, economic and The second is adaptation, aimed at adapting to the consequences of climate change. environmental determinants of health: crop and fishery yields, population nutrition, Simply put, “moving from car to bike” is a mitigation measure and “building a dyke” migration, conflict, health system resilience, etc. For example, recurring droughts is an adaptation measure. These two approaches complement each other, as we need can negatively affect crop yields. In addition to the nutritional concerns induced by to mitigate the causes of climate change to reduce its future impacts, and we also inadequate food quality or quantity, farmers’ incomes are reduced and the risks of need to adapt to the present and future consequences of climate change. migration or conflict are exacerbated.
Climate change thus contributes to a vicious cycle of vulnerabilities. Not only Why is this urgent? are the consequences of climate change more severe for the most vulnerable populations, but they are also an additional cause of vulnerability. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) worked on the differences in implications between 1.5°C and 2°C warming in a special report in October 2018.3 It In all these causal relationships, it is difficult to isolate the share attributable solely demonstrates that the consequences of climate change are not proportional to global to climate change. Their effects are compounded by a large number of individual, warming: every additional tenth of a degree exacerbates them further. In addition, societal and environmental factors that influence each other. The links between every additional tenth of a degree diminishes populations’ capacity for adaptation. climate and health are complex and therefore need to be better understood. The conclusion is clear: it is critical to act to contain global warming below 1.5°C.
6 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Introduction 7 While we are alarmed about the seriousness of the potential future consequences, we are saying that it is not too late to act. From a mitigation perspective, time is running out: we have less than 10 years, at the current greenhouse gas emission rate, to have a 50% chance of containing warming below 1.5°C. From an adaptation perspective, the needs are already apparent with each new climate event and will increase in the coming years.
The title of this document “Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C” is more provocative than defeatist. However, a +2°C scenario is not acceptable and would have devastating consequences. Indeed, such a scenario cannot be ruled out and each day of inaction brings us a little closer to it. Humanitarian operators have a duty to prepare themselves and to prepare populations for all contingencies.
What can the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement contribute?
The consequences of climate change are an additional source of vulnerability and particularly affect already vulnerable people. This double penalty often leads to an accumulation of social and environmental inequalities, leading to injustice.
Today, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has the means of climate change. The strength of its network, its health skills and its day-to- to continue to act, in its capacity as a key player in addressing the consequences day proximity to populations make it a major player in adapting to the health consequences of climate change.
This document contains very specific recommendations for immediate action. They are not intended for a specialist audience, but concern everyone. Researchers, The [Red Cross and Red humanitarian operators, health professionals, elected officials, public servants, financiers, advertisers, philosophers, volunteers, teachers, artists, parents, and so Crescent] Movement has forth, this document is for you, because we need all the goodwill to build a healthier a crucial role to play in and fairer world, in which everyone’s voice matters. increasing the resilience of populations and health systems with regard 1 - IPCC, Global warming of 1.5°C, 2018. to climate change effects.” 2 - UNFCCC, Paris Climate Agreement. DIARMID CAMPBELL-LENDRUM, World Health Organisation (WHO) 3 - IPCC, Global warming of 1.5°C, op. cit.
6 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Introduction 7 88 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 9 FIRST PART
Climate Change: from Awareness to Action
8 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 9 9 A Brief History of Global Awareness
The early stages the most important ever publication on climate change first in a series of “Earth Summits,” the most famous of by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which was held in Rio in 1992. (IPCC). In the late 19th century, climate variation was barely Thus, from the 1970s onwards, WMO and UNEP laid the addressed among learned circles and societies, with first scientific foundations designed to achieve more the exception of the natural variation ascribed to the general political awareness Initial thoughts and concerns about main established climate cycles associated with the the environment celestial mechanics of our planet. In 1971, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) It was in 1861, in the era of steam engines, that English and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences co-hosted scientist John Tyndall applied Joseph Fournier’s Scientific and political awareness a conference on the effects of human activities on greenhouse effect theory and, for the first time, climate, and invited 30 leading scientists to speak on he noted with concern a change in climate due to the subject. This was the first manifestation of man’s variations in the amount of water vapour and CO Scientists’ warning and the creation of the IPCC 2. concern about climate, which gave rise to various A decade later, the World Meteorological Organisation movements and schools of thought that were qualified The scientific conferences held in Stockholm in 1974, (WMO) was established to study weather and climate. as environmentalists at the time. The eminence of Villach in 1980 and 1985, and Toronto in 1988, were a major the authors of the conclusions of the event led the step forward in that they were organised by specialised But it took almost a century for a scientific study international community to adopt a serious outlook on bodies, such as WMO, UNEP and the International published by Syukuro Manabe and Richard Wetherald the effects of environmental damage. Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), bringing together the in Atmospheric in 1967, to highlight the threat of global most renowned scientific experts, but presenting their
warming through a model of higher CO² amounts and its It is in this context that the United Nations held - in findings to government representatives. These events consequences on global temperature. The publication - June 1972 - the United Nations Conference on the should be given credit for placing climate change on the which was mentioned very seriously in the McNamara Human Environment, which led to the establishment political agenda for the first time. report of the same year while predicting a temperature of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), rise of more than 2°C before the end of the century and and placed environmental issues on the global agenda. Still, it is also as a result of these conferences that considering it the greatest threat to come - was voted The conference, which was titled “One Earth,” was the the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
10 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 11 quantifying - using increasingly efficient digital tools - the characteristics of climate change and clearly highlighting the anthropogenic dimension of the changes as well as the urgency of the situation.
The 1992 Earth Summit: a strong political commitment
The involvement of States became apparent and effective at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Known as the “Earth Summit,” the conference brings together 120 heads of state, eminent scientists and many representatives of civil society, with the ultimate pledge to combat climate change. Four documents were signed following the Rio Declaration, including a Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The text, which was ratified by more than 160 governments, has the “ultimate goal […] to stabilise […] greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system […] within a sufficient period of time […]”1
In order to enforce the resolutions, the text called for the establishment of a Conference of the Parties (COP) to meet annually in order to consider and take the necessary measures to implement the Convention and was established in 1988, reflecting a joint commitment General Assembly, expressed the need to mainstream the ensuing texts. by WMO and UNEP to establish an intergovernmental environmental concerns into all government sectoral mechanism to assess the climate change knowledge policies. base, to propose adaptations to forecasted climate The COPs: from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris disruptions and measures to mitigate the changes. The international community had become aware of Agreement, a mixed review the climate threat and the IPCC stepped up its alert A year earlier, in 1987, the Brundtland report “Our by publishing its first reports as early as 1990, not The first COP took place in 1995 in Berlin, but it is Common Future,” commissioned by the United Nations only highlighting evidence of global warming, but also the 1997 COP in Kyoto that is noteworthy given the
10 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 11 framework convention that was subsequently signed Increasing media coverage of climate issues winner in 2006) was such that in 2007, the IPCC and Al by 196 parties, whose aim was to reduce greenhouse Gore were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, making the gases individually or in groups of countries until 2012. This was the case with the Toronto conference in 1988, fight against climate change an essential element for Despite tough political and economic negotiations, which, for the first time ever, convened industry-sector world peace. rather modest results and questionable effectiveness, figures, media personalities and environmental NGOs the Kyoto Protocol - whose modalities had been around government and scientific representatives, and addressed since 1992 - was a major political turning thus received substantial media exposure, reinforced by Citizens embrace the issue point: the international community realised that the the meteorological context at the time (a particularly climate issue had a universal dimension, going beyond hot summer in North America). Media personalities are now involved, the general public “classic” opposition and conflict between governments. is mobilising efforts, striving to change its way of life, The Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, the largest gathering reacting, making its voice heard and taking to the streets The following COPs registered mixed results. of world leaders and with considerable civil society given the slow pace of negotiations and implementation representation (more than 1,500 NGOs), broke all media of concrete actions. 2015 and its COP 21 marked another significant records and led to the globalisation of environmental turning point with the Paris Agreement: 195 countries and climate concerns. We are currently witnessing mass movement mostly adopted the first-ever legally binding universal climate based in Western countries, with people taking to the agreement, demonstrating universal awareness of the The third world climate conference - in Geneva in 2009 streets and reaching out to governments to implement inevitable consequences of climate change and the (after the 1979 and 1990 conferences during which ecological and social measures commensurate with the urgency to act. However, more than three years after advancements in climate change knowledge was climate challenge effects, going as far as taking legal its adoption, only seventeen countries have actually assessed) - was organised particularly due to the scale action against the government, in France for example, implemented concrete and ambitious actions to of media coverage and its impact on the public, so as to “to respect its climate commitments and protect lives, achieve the required goals. The Agreement is therefore create a general framework linking scientific knowledge regions and everyone’s rights. It is the Issue of the difficult to implement, especially as the United States and society needs. Century.”2 In the Netherlands, Colombia and Pakistan, announced its withdrawal from the Agreement just citizens’ collectives have also referred matters to the over a year after signing it, while Australia announced Owing to the annually held Conferences of the courts in order to raise the greenhouse gas reduction in August 2018 that it was no longer going to include Parties, the increasing number of forums on climate- targets, to raise awareness on the need to act against greenhouse gas reduction in its legislation. related issues, the publication of IPCC reports and the deforestation and to protect the climate, or to urge the involvement of NGOs - particularly environmental NGOs - government to adopt climate legislation that respects in international negotiations, there is widespread media the fundamental rights of all. coverage of climate change and its consequences, amplified by social networks. Global evidence On the African continent, which is responsible for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions while 65% of the Climate threat affects everyone and it is a danger African population is considered to be directly affected 3 While events around the climate issue were up to then to peace by climate change, mobilisation is being organized with, aimed at an informed political or scientific public, for instance, the One Planet Summit held in Nairobi in the 1990s and 2000s saw the emergence civil society The global awareness (literary books, films and March 2019 which is expected to make a difference. involvement with the issue. documentaries - An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, Oscar
12 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 13 Humanitarian Operators’ Response to the Climate Threat
A problem first reserved for environmental NGOs
NGOs mainly focused on environmental protection
The earliest so-called “scholarly” environmental non- governmental organisations emerged in the late 19th century and early 20th century, following the first events held by scientific networks and scholarly communities, featuring a science-based “conservationist” discourse (Les Amis de la Nature, the International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN, the World Wildlife Fund - WWF).
It was not until the second half of the 20th century - in the 1960s and 1970s - that we witnessed the emergence of so-called “activist” dissenting environmental NGOs, heirs to the social movements of that period, and who were seeking to venture into the political arena (Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth).
The climate issue was not yet in the limelight, and the NGOs kept to environmental conservation issues, such as biodiversity, endangered species or nuclear power.
12 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 13 The establishment of joint, substantial climate A gradual awareness in the the human impacts of climate anomalies on their action programmes around the world. The Oxfam International early 2000s Confederation was also present and active during the 1992 However, from the end of the 1980s onwards, environ- negotiations in Rio. Subsequently, Oxfam fully integrated mental NGOs became aware of and tackled the cli- 1999: The turning point climate change adaptation into its programmes. mate issue, making it one of their priorities. Scholarly and activist NGOs reviewed their action repertoire, It is the 1999 World Disaster Report of the International For its part, CARE has been working on the impacts of joined forces, coordinated and adopted a joint strate- Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies climate change since 2002. It was from the perspective gy by creating Climate Action Network International (IFRC) that truly linked, for the first time, humanitarian of the impact of these changes on the livelihoods of (CAN-I). action, natural disasters and climate change. the poorest and most vulnerable that the association approached the issue initially. CARE’s Bengali branch Environmental NGOs became involved in the prepara- The messages were clear: climate change is a reality; has been a pioneer in this area by promoting different tory stages of major climate change conferences and climate change is causing an increasing number of approaches to community-based adaptation from influenced international agreement negotiations. disasters; the disasters are now more complex and 2002 to 2005. Today, CARE has taken a step further widespread; the people affected by these climate- by endowing itself with its own platform on climate The media relayed their messages extensively and enhanced natural disasters are the most vulnerable change and resilience. their member numbers rose consistently. populations.
Environmental NGOs were therefore clearly identified Climate change thus overwhelmed humanitarian 2009 World Humanitarian Forum: climate change as the natural representatives of civil society with re- operators’ capacities and rendered their work more difficult. as a humanitarian crisis gard to addressing climate issues. The issue of adaptation to climate change - although In 2009, the World Humanitarian Forum, whose viewed by some as only a potential risk, or even a matter objective was to measure the human impact of Humanitarian operators on the back burner of scientific debate - was beginning to take shape climate change, published an alarming report, among humanitarian operators. which, for the first time ever, focused on the human Humanitarian operators were confined to emergency consequences of climate change (health, economic, and relief operations by public opinion and the media, However, only a few of them were really tackling the societal consequences). The report stated that, to but also within their own organisations. The contrast climate issue. date, climate change was causing more than 300,000 between the urgency of saving lives facing immediate deaths worldwide each year, and that by 2030 this danger, the need for quick action to assist populations number could reach half a million. 325 million people and the slowly changing climate, whose effects are The first climate actions among humanitarian are affected by climate change, and the number is more or less evident in the long-term, encouraged operators expected to more than double in 20 years and account these operators to stand back from the climate issue. for 10% of the world’s population.4 From an early stage, Anglo-Saxon NGOs (Oxfam, CARE, This self-imposed image that they portray to the public, Save the Children) recognised a link between climate We were witnessing the emergence of the greatest coupled with the fear of blurring the messages they change and their work, and were genuinely concerned. humanitarian challenge for the coming years, and wish to convey, delayed their awareness of the climate Kofi Annan, who chaired the Forum, has called on issue and contributed to keeping environmental NGOs As early as 1983, Oxfam had already published a briefing governments to increase aid to poor countries by a at the forefront of the issue. paper titled “Weather Alert,” which documented factor of 100 to limit the looming major humanitarian
14 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 15 crisis. In order to increase funding for aid programmes, conventional institutional donors now provide funding on condition that operators account for climate change in their response.
Climate awareness by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Prior to 1999, like most humanitarian operators, the Inter- national Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement viewed climate change as a secondary concern.
The 1999 IFRC World Disasters Report
The publication of the IFRC World Disasters Report in 1999 and the subsequent International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent marked a major turning point in terms of integrating climate change into Red Cross/Red Crescent policies and actions.
The report shows “how environmental change and the lack of human vision have combined to cause disasters [and underlines the concern arising from] the chronic and increasing vulnerability of poor countries to recurrent extreme weather conditions.”5
A few weeks later, the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Dr. Astrid Heiberg, delivered an eye-opening speech at the 27th International Conference.
Recalling the findings of the report, Astrid Heiberg alerted the Movement to the alarming predictions
14 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 15 of climate-induced natural disasters, the vulnerable governments to address the humanitarian consequences to the changing scientific, political and operational populations severely affected by the phenomena, and of environmental decline and climate change. landscape, and strengthen its role and contribution to the complexity of future humanitarian work. tackling climate change. The members of the International Red Cross and Red But even then, the President of IFRC steered clear of Crescent Movement then continued to mainstream Today, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent mere declarations and sought to examine the actions climate change into their policies and actions, Movement no longer questions whether climate that had been undertaken and provide solutions including by adopting several other relevant resolutions change should be taken into account in its mandate through greater focus on upstream investments to at international statutory meetings, as concerns and missions, but rather how it can respond to the avoid loss of life and wasting donor funds. population movements, disaster preparedness and humanitarian consequences of climate change. management, conflict, innovation and, more broadly, Astrid Heiberg stressed the need for forecasting and their strategic vision. preparedness, especially at the local level, stressing the essential role played by Red Cross and Red Crescent In 2017, the IFRC published its Framework for Climate volunteers. Action Towards 2020, indicating how it will have to adjust
The launch of the Climate Centre
In 2002, the IFRC Climate Centre was established to help the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its partners reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on vulnerable populations. The Climate Centre supports the National Societies, and thus local level volunteers, by informing them about the climate and its consequences, with a particular view to disaster preparedness and response, but also with regard to food security, health and training.
This allows the Movement to move beyond the exclusive sphere of natural disasters and to take into account climate change and its humanitarian consequences as a whole.
The climate issue before international statutory bodies
In 2007, the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent adopted a resolution highlighting the increased commitment of the Movement and
16 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 17 In addition, the Red Cross and Red Crescent are deve- loping early warning systems based on weather fore- The Humanitarian Response: casts. The French Red Cross has adopted this approach to combating drought in Niger.
the Example of the Red Cross > Disaster management
“A disaster should no longer be a trauma but an episode and the Red Crescent that we learn to manage on a daily basis and whose social outcome is that of resilience and stronger humanity.”6
With the increasing number of natural disasters caused by climatic hazards, the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have become experts in responding to these events. This is the case with the 192 National Societies currently make up the developed on disaster risk reduction. National Societies Regional Intervention Platforms of the French Red International Federation of Red Cross and Red rely on communities (mothers, young people, etc.) to Cross, which serve as instruments for preventing and Crescent Societies (IFRC). Drawing on its awareness disseminate the information. responding to natural disasters. These professionally- of the humanitarian impact of climate change on its trained emergency response units are endowed with work and the potential impact of its actions on the Since climate change is not a separate risk from the complementary physical and logistical capabilities climate, IFRC is now involved with adaptation and usual intervention contexts but an additional and integrated into the relief chain, and are ready for rapid mitigation while providing appropriate advocacy. determining factor, the traditional activities of the deployment for effective action. Based in high-risk Red Cross and Red Crescent remain relevant as long areas (Indian Ocean, Caribbean and South Pacific), the as they are sensitive to climate risks and respond to platforms are activated in coordination with IFRC and or prepare for climate-related shocks and stresses, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). sometimes using innovative methods. Adaptation in the IFRC > Construction of shelters National Societies’ actions to adapt to climate change thus affect the following aspects: IFRC has developed a Participatory Approach for The adaptation actions of IFRC and the National Red Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA), which aims to raise Cross and Red Crescent Societies aim to increase the > Disaster risk reduction awareness of the fragile nature of certain built resilience of communities and better prepare them for environments and the everyday environmental risks the impacts of climate change now and in the years Beyond disaster risk education programmes, disaster they may face, and to foster locally appropriate to come. risk reduction actions often coincide with adaptation safe shelter and settlement practices. The British and mitigation measures in that the solutions Red Cross, for example, used this methodology Adaptation begins with a better knowledge and established, in addition to protecting people from during a reconstruction programme in the Delmas 19 understanding of the risks involved. To this end, the a potential climate risk, can also contribute to neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince. Climate Centre is committed to strengthening the addressing the causes of climate change. In Vietnam, capacities of National Societies to understand and for example, the Vietnamese and Danish Red Cross > Livelihoods anticipate existing and future risks. A series of tools have planted nearly 9,000 hectares of mangrove to (online courses, training kits, games) have thus been combat flooding since the late 1990s. As weather phenomena usually affect people’s livelihoods
16 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 17 (food crops, livestock breeding, fishing, etc.), the Red Acting by fostering environment-friendly A collective of National Societies has also set up what Cross and Red Crescent implement projects to restore behaviour and activities is referred to as a “Green Response.” This approach livelihoods to those affected. To this effect, in 2005, the aims to minimise the negative environmental effects of The territorial and local presence of the Red Cross East Timor Red Cross helped the village of Manumera, emergency operations and to increase accountability to and Red Crescent is a tremendous asset for fostering which was facing increasingly recurrent droughts, to the affected population by actively promoting alternative climate-friendly behaviour in communities, particularly develop new irrigation systems and to cultivate more solutions that are less harmful to the environment. by limiting carbon emissions. National Societies have resilient seeds. a long tradition and great expertise in the field of > Health education and awareness-raising and, with the help of experts, they reach out to local populations - who are Red Cross Red Crescent advocacy themselves victims of climate change - for example, There are numerous adaptation actions in the field With the establishment of the Climate Centre, IFRC by encouraging them to plant and maintain trees, to of health as they relate to health in a broader sense and its 192 National Societies have been engaged in manage their waste in the best possible way, and to (physical, mental and social well-being). Thus, actions “climate” advocacy for about two decades to attract use renewable energy. To this effect, the Cook Islands implemented by the Red Cross and Red Crescent range the attention of policymakers, institutional donors and Red Cross works with students by hosting workshops from first aid to psychological support, treatment of their partners. epidemics, strengthening health systems and prevention. on climate change mitigation. In Bangladesh, the Red For example, in Haiti, the Canadian Red Cross built a Crescent is raising community awareness of the risks Advocacy at the heart of humanitarian diplomacy new provincial hospital and restored four rural health and consequences of using wood for cooking, both in centres following Hurricane Matthew. terms of carbon emissions and deforestation. This advocacy work is part of broader humanitarian diplomacy that aims to persuade policymakers and > Water, sanitation and hygiene Acting while reducing the environmental impact opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of Red Cross/Red Crescent activities of vulnerable populations and in accordance with As lack of water and/or water pollution due to extreme fundamental humanitarian principles. weather events can result in serious consequences for IFRC and National Societies themselves examine their affected populations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent own behaviour and the impact of their activities. To this Together, they have ventured into United Nations forums, set up solutions to ensure access to safe drinking water effect, they seek to reduce their carbon footprint in the COPs, regional organisations and national forums. and proper hygiene. For example, in 2005, the Myanmar field and within their own headquarters. This is the case, Red Cross established a programme for access to water for example, of the IFRC secretariat, which has rebuilt its Clear messages and sanitation in Myanmar’s dry area. headquarters to the highest environmental standards. This is also the case for National Societies, such as the French The main messages relayed by the Red Cross and Red Red Cross, which have adopted an OSR (Organisational Crescent are as follows: Mitigation in the IFRC Social Responsibility) policy which, echoing the Brundtland > Reach the most vulnerable to climate change, while report of 1987, defines an action plan that meets the ensuring that their needs are taken into account in While helping vulnerable populations cope with needs of the present without compromising the ability of global and national decisions, policies and plans, weather and climate risks is an essential part of the future generations to meet their own needs, i.e., to control through consultation and integration of affected mandate of National Societies, it is also within their its impacts on society, better respect the environment, communities. competence and in their interest as humanitarian be economically viable and make the link between the > Increase funding for adaptation and resilience in operators to avoid such future risks by minimising their economic, social and environmental dimensions on a conjunction with funding to reduce greenhouse gas environmental impact. more or less long-term basis. emissions.
18 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 19 > Ensure that local stakeholders can play a role in climate action, including by promoting decentralised, equitable, transparent and accountable disbursement of climate finance. > Implement integrated risk management approaches to build resilience by integrating disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and ecosystem management into laws, policies, plans and investment decisions.7
Red Cross/Red Crescent operators getting involved
As a consequence, the IFRC Secretary-General promoted the need for early warning and early action in the event of extreme weather events at the World Humanitarian Summit; the Director of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre addressed the United Nations General Assembly and called on the various stakeholders to build bridges between humanitarian, development and climate agendas; the IFRC Assistant Secretary-General for Operations highlighted the need to combine mitigation and adaptation actions to achieve real impact at COP 24; consequences of climate change. We must build this the IFRC Secretary-General reiterated the need for climate diplomacy that will enable us to account for funding to implement adaptation measures at the human rights in adaptation measures.” 1 - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Climate Meeting in Abu Dhabi, etc. 1992. National Societies are also involved at the national 2 - laffairedusiecle.net National Societies are also making their voices heard, level to try to influence their governments’ policies. This 3 - oneplanetsummit.fr such as the Secretary-General of the South Sudan advocacy not only contributes to raising the profile of Red Cross who made a strong appeal in October IFRC and National Societies in terms of climate action, 4 - Human Impact Report: Climate Change - The Anatomy of a Silent Crisis, Geneva, The Global Humanitarian Forum, 2009. 2017 for more localised risk reduction measures, or a but, above all, serves to highlight the voice and needs of volunteer of the Kiribati Red Cross who appealed for the most vulnerable, whose everyday vulnerabilities and 5 - Georges Weber, “Introduction” in World Disasters Report, Geneva, IFCR, 1999, p. 7. better collaborative efforts, planet-wide, at COP 23 in difficulties are exacerbated by climate change. Germany, or the President of the French Red Cross, 6 - Jean-Christophe Combe, Managing Director of the French Red Cross, “Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C,” World Conference Professor Jean-Jacques Eledjam who, on 15 April 2019 Cannes, 15-16 April 2019. in Cannes, spoke to an international audience: “We 7 - Framework for Climate Action Towards 2020, Geneva, IFCR, must promote the emergence of a human right to November 2017. a healthy environment given the magnitude of the
18 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 19 2020 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 21 SECOND PART
EIGHT Challenges (but only one Earth!)
CHALLENGE 1: Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters CHALLENGE 2: Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas CHALLENGE 3: Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health CHALLENGE 4: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Needs CHALLENGE 5: Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition CHALLENGE 6: Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements CHALLENGE 7: Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate CHALLENGE 8: Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health
20 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Climate Change: from Awereness to Action 21 21 Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters
22 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 23 CHALLENGE
While weather, geological or climatic hazards and phenomena are natural, a disaster is anything but natural. The majority of the human, societal and economic costs incurred can be avoided by investing in disaster risk reduction. By preparing communities and building sustainable health systems, it is possible to enhance populations’ health resilience to disasters. However, integrating health into disaster risk management – and vice versa – presents a number of practical challenges that will have to be overcome Mitigating1 Health through approaches that focus on people’s health needs, well-being and active Risks Related participation in the establishment of prevention and risk reduction measures. to Disasters
Less than 50% Each year, on average, $1 invested in disaster of national health budgets so-called natural disasters affect risk reduction saves $16 on include emergency 199 million response and recovery costs. people, cause 67,000 deaths preparedness and (IFRC, 2019) response. and plunge 26 million people into poverty. (WHO, 2008) (IDMC, 2018)
22 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 23 Observations
Severe weather, climatic or geological phenomena have always been part of the natural hazards to which a population is exposed: precipitation, droughts, floods, storms, cyclones, landslides, forest fires, etc. Depending on their intensity, their location and the affected populations’ capacity to protect themselves, these extreme phenomena cause so-called natural disasters with potentially disastrous consequences.
For several decades now, we have been witnessing a significant increase in the number of disasters. Indeed, the average annual number of so-called natural disasters measured between 1997 and 2017 is twice as much as it was between 1978 and 1997.1 This is an ongoing trend that is apparently set to rise in the next decade.2 There are multiple factors underlying the shift: population growth, urbanisation, land-use change, but also climate change.
Firstly, climate change affects extreme weather events and increases both their intensity and frequency. The severe nature of recent hurricanes such as Dorian in 2019 and Harvey in 2017 is attributed in part to climate change.3 We are now three times more likely than in the early 1900s to experience hurricanes as severe as Hurricane Harvey, solely due to climate change.4
Secondly, global warming compounds the uncertainty and unpredictability of severe weather events, thus complicating any attempts to address them. The changing nature of the risks and their geographical location portends unprecedented disasters, such as the first heatwaves in Europe or the first category 5 hurricanes in North America and the Caribbean.
Disasters have drastic consequences for health. The consequences are manifold and not only directly affect populations (deaths, injuries, diseases, etc.), but also the organisation of a society (harvesting, access to water, electricity, etc.), as well as health systems (access to relief supplies, medical equipment supply, availability of qualified personnel, etc.).
24 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 25 A healthy community is a resilient community” Issues TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, Director-General of WHO
Between 1998 and 2017, climate and geophysical disasters claimed 1.3 million lives While the causes of severe weather or climate phenomena seem uncontrollable, and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced, or in need of urgent disasters resulting from these phenomena are not inevitable. Indeed, the devastating assistance.5 These figures are set to increase in the coming years. Indeed, by 2050, 200 impact of a disaster hinges in part on the initial status of the health system and million people may require international humanitarian assistance each year due to its shortcomings. Health and disaster risk management systems often operate climate disasters and the socio-economic consequences of climate change.6 in isolation. Greater porosity between these systems and better community preparedness would serve as significant leverage in terms of reducing consequences Beyond emergencies, so-called natural disasters have indirect impacts on the health of disasters. of populations. For example, the risks of famine, malnutrition or political instability are heightened by the disruption of sources of food, water and other livelihoods. The Disasters weaken public and primary health services. Hurricane Maria in Puerto organisation of a society as a whole is disrupted, due particularly to limited access to Rico in 2017 directly claimed the lives of 64 people: the additional 3,000 deaths are basic services such as electricity, transport, water or hygiene. attributable to shortcomings in the health system.7 Health service operations may be disrupted not only by damage to the infrastructure, medical equipment and supplies, but also by the loss of medical records, death of health personnel or lack of specialised personnel. Thus, after a disaster, health systems are often affected by the imbalance between the exceptional number of health needs and diminished supply DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACT OF DISASTERS of care linked to the devastating impact of the disaster, in addition to the initial shortcomings of the health system.
Direct impact on… Indirect impact on… Although multiple and extreme, consequences of climate disasters are not
…the population’s health …the population’s health insurmountable: they are a matter of preparedness and risk reduction. Indeed, under - Mortality - Loss of primary health care conditions of equivalent exposure to the same natural hazards, populations in the - Injuries - Loss of normal living conditions poorest countries are seven times more likely to perish than populations in the richest - Communicable diseases - Access to administration countries.8 Vulnerability does not depend solely on the nature of the risks. It also stems - Acute illnesses Public health (cultural differences, etc.) - Chronic illnesses from governance and organisation of basic services and living conditions that do not - Psychological effects offer a satisfactory level of overall well-being (physical, mental and material).
…health care system …health care system - Damage to physical - External infrastructure damage Direct or indirect health consequences of disasters could therefore be avoided, infrastructure or reduced, through appropriate risk prevention and management measures, with - Loss of personnel particular focus on basic services organisation and access, as well as the populations’ living conditions.
24 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 25
334998FMS_Schemas_CRF_ENGL.indd 1 13/11/2019 09:24 Response manage disaster-related health emergencies. This involves systematic analysis and management of health risks by combining: > reduction of hazards and vulnerability to prevent and mitigate risks; > preparedness; > response; > recovery measures. Disaster risk reduction is defined as “systematic efforts to analyse and manage the causes [of disasters], particularly through reduced exposure to hazards and reduced As a field operator and pioneer in disaster risk reduction, the International Red Cross vulnerability of people and property, sound soil and environmental management, as and Red Crescent Movement strives to link disaster risk management to health in well as improved preparedness for adverse events.”9 the broadest sense (including health promotion, disease control and prevention, psychosocial support, adequate and sustainable hygiene and sanitation facilities - in The value of disaster risk reduction is now well established, both humanly and the national context - to strengthen the formal health system, etc.). economically. It helps prevent every natural hazard from turning into a disaster. In Bangladesh, for example, investments in disaster risk reduction have led to a sharp decline in the number of deaths caused by cyclones: from 300,000 deaths caused by Hurricane Bhola in 1970 to 3,500 deaths caused by Hurricane Sidr in 2007, despite being greater in intensity.10 Investments in disaster risk reduction are especially beneficial. For every dollar invested in a disaster risk reduction programme of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), sixteen 1 - Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, “Economic Losses, Poverty & Disasters, 1998- 2017,” 2018. dollars are saved on post-disaster response and recovery costs. 2 - IFRC Secretariat DRR & Climate Action Strategy Paper, 2019-2020.
The adoption of the Sendai Framework 2015-2030 by the UN body in charge of 3 - Michael Mann and Andrew E. Dessler, “Global heating made Hurricane Dorian bigger, wetter – and disaster risk reduction - United Nations System for Disaster Risk Reduction or more deadly” in The Guardian, 4 September 2019. UNISDR - helped set priorities and recognise the major impact of climate change on 4 - G. J. Van Oldenborgh et al., “Attribution of Extreme Rainfall from Hurricane Harvey,” August 2017, populations. The Bangkok Principles, adopted in 2016, set out the implementation Environmental Research Letters. modalities of the Sendai Framework in terms of health issues, with particular 5 - Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, “Economic Losses, Poverty & Disasters, 1998- emphasis on effort coordination. 2017,” op. cit. 6 - IFRC, The Cost of Doing Nothing, Geneva, 2019.
However, while disaster risk reduction has so far developed in the fields of urban 7 - George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, “GW Researchers: 2,975 planning, construction, transport and energy networks, it has not yet fully penetrated Excess Deaths Linked to Hurricane Maria” in Washington DC, GW Today, 2018. the field of health. Therefore, the current challenge resides in broadening the scope 8 - IFRC Secretariat DRR & Climate Action Strategy Paper, 2019-2020, op. cit. of health risk management from disaster response and recovery to a more integrated 9 - Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, “Disaster Data: A Balanced Perspective” in approach that includes preparedness, prevention and mitigation. The process places CRED CRUNCH, No. 27, Brussels, 2012.
special emphasis on scaling up populations’ capacities, particularly by establishing 10 - IFRC Secretariat and Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, “Climate action & disaster risk community-based health systems that can better deliver basic health care and better reduction strategy paper,” 2019.
26 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 27 Example of good practice Our recommendations The IFRC’s Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) programme is a success story in terms of linking disaster risk reduction to health. Its main objective is to improve the local, regional and international capacity to respond to emergencies related to public health or disasters. The CBHFA programme is a long-term commitment that demands constant commitment. 154 National Societies have made it their main community health programme. > Build community resilience through a In concrete terms, it is about empowering communities to take charge of their multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach: own health. By using simple tools tailored to the local context, communities closely link disaster risk reduction and public health are encouraged to prioritise and meet their own health needs. Beyond first aid, development. CBHFA programmes are designed to facilitate disaster risk reduction, but also > to address needs linked to urban risks, malaria, as well as maternal, newborn Build community resilience through a participatory and child health, non-communicable diseases, hygiene promotion, etc. There approach: acting for and with communities in are seven million CBHFA volunteers around the world. an integrated manner, while drawing on their knowledge and expertise.
> Ensure continuity of health care after disasters and among the least accessible populations and raise their awareness on the importance of their health, which is often neglected in favour of basic needs such as food and shelter.
> Develop forecast-based funding for an early, appropriate and effective response.
26 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C MitigatingMitigating Health Health Risks Risks Related Related to Disastersto Disasters 27 27 Protecting Populations in View of the Complex Nature of 21st Century Disasters
As auxiliary to public authorities, the French Red Cross collaborates with The French Red Cross Strategy 2020-2025 for preparedness, response organisations involved in risk management and disaster relief. and recovery of populations in the event of disasters is based on four overlapping aspects: In France, the Civil Protection Modernisation Act of 2004 (Loi de > Knowledge and data management as a factor in improving response and modernisation de la sécurité civile) establishes the main framework for impact on populations. the relief operations conducted by the French Red Cross. A “Regulation > Preparing populations to strengthen their capacity to cope with the for operations carried out by the French Red Cross during emergency disaster and mitigate its destructive effects. situations in France” specifies the operating procedures of its rescue > Operational crisis response. teams. This dynamic is reinforced by its 2020-2025 strategy for disaster > Supporting populations in the recovery phase. preparedness, response and recovery. The aim is to enable people to protect themselves and to carry out first aid on loved ones, to the extent of each person’s abilities.
Because safety in view of major risks should be everyone’s concern, the French Red Cross intends to share its expertise with the other National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as offer them support. The goal is to boost the capacity of particularly vulnerable populations in other parts of the world.
The operations of the French Red Cross focus on the three phases of a disaster (before, during and after), and on the basic needs of the people affected. This demands a constant capacity for anticipation in order to develop solutions and to overcome crises efficiently. This integrated response, offered in conjunction with public authorities, must be adapted to the local context, both domestically and internationally. It hinges on social and digital innovation and focuses on the needs expressed by people, but also on jointly developing the most effective and relevant solutions, in order to strengthen the social impact on populations.
28 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 29 The French, their Health and Climate Change: the Disturbing Figures
Just over half of the French people feel they know what to do in the event of a flood or storm, and34% feel they can respond to a disease epidemic that is barely present or absent in France today.
Nearly 8 out of 10 French people are concerned by the consequences of climate change on their Training and mutual assistance: solutions to health, which are already visible for two thirds of them. better address risks
Among the main areas of concern are: For the French, the main solution would be to Increasing natural disasters (89%) strengthen disaster relief systems in order to Fear of facing conflicts due to scarcity of resources( 79%) address emergencies and dangerous situations ( ), Pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases (75%) 57% Heatwaves or coldwaves (85%) followed by training in climate change Population migration (76%) health risks Emergence of new epidemics in metropolitan France: dengue fever, malaria, cholera, etc. (73%) (55%), capacity-building for the most vulnerable (49%) Citizens do not feel prepared and do not trust institutional stakeholders and first aid training 54% feel that they are not well informed on the subject despite growing climate-related alerts. (39%). Lastly, 64% indicated that they have no first aid knowledge or skills.
While the French mainly rely on health professionals and associations and NGOs to find solutions (82%) (76%) Survey conducted by Harris Interactive in March 2019 to adapt to the consequences of climate change, there is a disturbing lack of trust in institutional stakeholders, for the French Red Cross, in partnership with the AESIO 52% for the United Nations, 37% for the European Union and only 34% for governments. Group.
28 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Mitigating Health Risks Related to Disasters 29 Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas
30 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 31 CHALLENGE
Heatwaves are one of the consequences of global warming and have a considerable impact on human health, ranging from simple heat strokes to strokes, allergies and respiratory diseases, etc. The rising global urbanisation heightens and augments these effects. Yet, inexpensive solutions do exist, and today’s metropolises have started preparing to meet current and future needs. 2Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas
In 2017, more than 157 million 7 out of 10 people will be Nearly 5 billion vulnerable people over the age of living in cities by 2050. people live in areas where extreme
65 were exposed to heatwaves (UN, 2018) heat is predictable over a given worldwide, 18 million more than period.
in 2016. (Environmental Research Letters, 2018) (The Lancet, 2018)
30 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 31 Observations
There is no universal definition of heatwaves, but the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) characterises them as an unusually hot period of time (average, maximum, minimum and daily temperature) in a given region, persisting for at least three consecutive days during the hot period of the year, with thermal conditions that exceed certain thresholds, based on local climatological characteristics.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the average global surface temperature has increased by 0.74°C - due to greenhouse gases - with a clear spike since 1976, reaching 0.19°C per decade. Moreover, a 0.27°C increase was recorded in the southern hemisphere and 0.53°C in the northern hemisphere between 1997 and 2006,1 compared “Climate change is worse to the average calculated for 1961-1990 (WMO). According to the 2014 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the worst-case scenario would than you think but still lead to a global warming of 4.8°C in 2100, and the forecasts are likely to be even more pessimistic in the upcoming 2021-2022 report, according to contributing French reversible.” researchers: Centre national de la recherche scientifique - CNRS (French National PR. CAMILO MORA, Professor at the University of Hawaii in Centre for Scientific Research), Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies Manoa alternatives - CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), Météo France (French national meteorological service). flanked by buildings on both sides, urban deserts linked to the absence of vegetation, additional diffuse heat sources (population density, cars, tar, air conditioners, etc.) Heatwaves are one of the serious consequences of these climate disruptions and and pollution mists – the infamous “smog” – heighten and augment the effects of are increasingly frequent and intense. In France, the French meteorological service, heatwaves. This is referred to as the urban heat island effect. Météo France, estimates that there will be twice as many in 2050 and that in 2100 the episodes will be longer, more extreme and over a wider period. In Australia, there were And yet, the urban population grew to 4.2 billion in 2018 from 751 million in 1950, and 2 over 200 record high temperatures in 2018 and 2019. the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs has declared that by 2050, 7 out of 10 people will be living in cities. A group of Hawaiian researchers has made the analysis that if 30% of the world’s population is currently exposed to heatwaves for at least 20 days a year, by 2100, this percentage could rise to 48%, at best, implying a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas Anecdote emissions, and up to 74% in the worst case scenario.3 The French word for heatwave, canicule, comes from the Latin word canis, which means dog. It is also the other name of Sirius, the brightest star of the Canis Major or This extreme weather phenomenon is amplified in certain contexts, particularly in Great Dog constellation. Sirius rises and sets with the sun from July 22 to August 22, a urban areas. Humidity, the presence of urban canyons occurring when a street is period often marked by intense heat, and hence the name.
32 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 33 Issues
On the other hand, while it is obvious that heatwaves are aggravated in urban areas, their consequences are heightened depending on the populations they affect. Not surprisingly, it is the most vulnerable people who suffer the most from the impacts of heatwaves. They include the elderly, young children, people with chronic diseases, people working outside, people who are homeless or living in informal Heatwaves, which are amplified in urban areas, have significant direct and indirect shelters (slums, tents, etc.) and people in social isolation. To this effect, a 2003 study impacts on human health. They affect their physical and mental health, as well as conducted by the French Ministry of Health indicates that, of the deaths transferred health systems. to the forensic institute during the 2003 heatwave, 41% lived in a single room and 36% in “maid’s rooms.” People’s physical health is affected in several ways, as heatwave consequences manifest themselves through skin rashes, cramps, “heat stroke,” sunstroke And yet, governments and cities are not always well prepared for the heatwaves. The and dehydration. Some diseases are compounded by high temperatures over IPCC, in its special report “1.5°C Warming”, states that beyond the lack of funding, extended periods: respiratory diseases, certain forms of diabetes, kidney diseases, “it is likely that adaptation strategies will not be in place in several regions, with a cardiovascular diseases, strokes. There are also more accidents in periods significant impact on communities with the lowest adaptive capacities.” 6 of intense heat, for instance, drowning, fires or car accidents due to faulty infrastructure (e.g. roadway melting). The mortality rate is undeniably higher during these periods: the increase in mortality in the summer of 2003 exceeded 70,000 deaths in Europe.4 HOW HEATWAVES AFFECT HEALTH
Indirectly, there are significant health risks given the increase in vector-borne and DIRECT IMPACTS INDIRECT IMPACTS infectious diseases (dengue fever, malaria, gastrointestinal diseases, Legionnaires’ disease, etc.). This is due to the resurgence of the insects or animals that carry Heat illness Impact on health services - Heat cramps - Increased ambulance call-outs these diseases (mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, rodents), or environmental conditions - Heat exhaustion and slower response times - Increased number of hospital that facilitate contamination (unsanitary water points, in particular), as a result of - Heat strokes - Dehydration admissions increased temperatures and warming in certain regions. There is also a significant - Storage of medicines increase in allergies, particularly due to pollen multiplication and the proliferation HEALTH IMPACTS Increased biological risks of stinging insects. - Outbreaks of gastrointestinal OF EXPOSURE disease Hospitalization / TO EXTREME HEAT - Marine algal blooms Moreover, human mental health is also affected by intense heat episodes. To this Death from exacerbated - Respiratory disease - Diabetes mellitus effect, connections have been established between rising temperatures during Disruption to Infrastructure - Renal disease heatwaves and higher suicide rates, as well as a higher number of consultations for & Livelihoods - Cardiovascular diseases - Interrupted power, water, 5 psychological and mental disorders. - Stroke transport - Mental health conditions - Fire risk Increased risk of accidents - Reduced Productivity - Work-related accidents Lastly, the health system itself can fail during heatwaves and cease to provide - Exhaustion all services to the population, whether due to power cuts, lack of water supply, or - Drowning - Injuries and poisonings congestion of emergency vehicles.
32 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 33
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The serious consequences of heatwaves are not inevitable and can be reduced through simple and inexpensive actions. Above all, it is a matter of anticipation, information dissemination, good practices and protection.
Anticipation translates into strategies to reduce the impact of heatwaves and improve air quality. To this end, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre provides cities with a special guide on heatwaves.7 Reducing vulnerabilities prior to crises by identifying at-risk populations or isolating homes also helps mitigate the consequences. Greener urban planning is also essential to preventing heatwaves. Finally, in terms of protection, strengthening the health system makes it possible to Furthermore, a 2014 Public Health England study highlights the influence of green implement the appropriate response in periods of extreme heat. In Saudi Arabia, for spaces on mortality. The establishment of cool areas and improvement of public example, 2 to 3 million pilgrims are received each year in Mecca, often in extreme transport are also some of the solutions put forward to anticipate heatwave episodes. weather conditions due to very high temperatures. The health system had to be In addition, it is now necessary to establish an early warning system to indicate the completely revamped to meet the growing demand for medical care: heat stroke, likelihood of a heatwave occurrence and its potential health effects, by associating sunstroke, dehydration, etc. Thus, the health infrastructure has been developed, meteorological and health services. “heatwave” contingency plans have been drawn up and considerable awareness has been raised on heat and its risks. The example of the city of Cape Town is an anticipation benchmark. Faced with current observations and alarming weather forecasts, the city of Cape Town has taken considerable measures to limit the impacts of heatwaves on the population. The city has set up open-access misting systems, intends to implement a tree replanting programme and hopes to use new technologies in the future to improve 1 - Climate Research Unit, University of East Anglia. prevention of extreme heat accidents. It is also a model in the field of information 2 - Will Steffen, Annika Dean, Martin Rice and Greg Mullins, Climate Council of Australia,The angriest dissemination, having launched beach and swimming pool rescue programmes, as summer, the Climate Council of Australia Limited 2019. well as a broader strategy to communicate and educate on the consequences of 3 - Camilo Mora, “Global risk of deadly heat” in Nature Climate Change, 19 June 2017. heatwaves. 4 - INSERM, Press release of 22 March 2007.
5 - J. Mullins, and C. White, Temperature, climate change, and mental health: Evidence from the spectrum Indeed, disseminating information, raising awareness and educating are among the of mental health outcomes, San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University, 2018.
keys to responding to the consequences of heatwaves in urban areas. Citizens are also 6 - IPCC, “Impacts of 1.5°C of Global Warming on Natural and Human Systems” in Global Warming of 1.5°C. encouraged to act individually within communities, to take care of each other, and to 2018.
make their voices heard by the relevant public authorities to incite them to address 7 - R. Singh, J. Arrighi, E. Jjemba, K. Strachan, M. Spires, A. Kadihasanoglu, Heatwave Guide for Cities, Red the causes of heatwaves. Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, 2019.
34 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 35 Example of good practice Our recommendations FORECAST-BASED FINANCING (FBF)
FbF is a mechanism for mobilising resources prior to a natural disaster, allowing humanitarian operators to act before the disaster occurs to reduce its impacts and provide assistance to people more effectively. FbF practitioners use weather > Engage all levels: individuals, communities, education forecasting and risk analysis to track extreme weather events. If systems, health services, all the way to policymakers. a climate event reaches a certain threshold that has been defined and agreed in advance in an Early Action Protocol (EAP), funds are > Generalise early warning systems. Goal: 500 million people automatically released and pre-defined activities corresponding reached and informed by 2030. to the expected level of damage are carried out. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a world leader in the > Strengthen social ties for greater solidarity and more FbF approach and launched its first pilot projects in 2013. effective communication.
In January 2018, the Vietnamese Red Cross and the German Red > Generalise green solutions in cities (planting, cool areas) Cross launched the “FbF Ready” project to reduce the adverse by drawing on nature (trees, plants, water). effects of heatwaves on the most vulnerable populations in Hanoi. Using the FbF methodology already implemented by more > Make the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies than 16 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, “FbF catalysts for action: they must be the driving force behind Ready” will use forecasts provided by the Vietnamese Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN) to predict new initiatives and promote solutions that work. the onset of heatwaves, raise funds before they occur and take proactive measures to mitigate their impacts. At the end of the project, the Vietnamese Red Cross will be able to replicate the FbF model to respond to other disasters and will position itself as a regional leader in humanitarian anticipation.
34 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C AdaptingAdapting to Heatwaves to Heatwaves in Urban in Urban Areas Areas 3535 “We all have, individually and collectively, the means to tackle air pollution and limit its adverse health effects. For Aésio, action translates, above all, to protecting people suffering from pathologies linked to air pollutants: by assisting with their care and, if necessary, their daily routines. It also means aligning one’s business with a sustainable development vision, to meet the challenges of tomorrow, whether social, societal or environmental. Let us all decide to live a better life.
EMMANUEL ROUX, Managing Director of Aésio Group
36 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 37 Climate Change and Air Quality
t first glance, air pollution and carbonaceous aerosols, which are deposited on snow Poland and Bulgaria in 2017, for its failure to protect its global warming seem to be two and ice, thus trapping solar radiation (whereas other citizens against air pollution. distinct issues. On the one hand, aerosols, however, contribute to the cooling of the air pollution seems to cause effects earth by their absorption power). Conversely, climate Finally, common effects and causes call for on a local scale due to specific change exacerbates air pollution problems. Increasingly synchronised actions. For example, through improved pollutants (ozone, nitrogen oxides), frequent and intense heatwaves induced by global energy efficiency in buildings, a more responsible through aerosols that release particulate matter. On warming are associated with pollution peaks: on transport policy, better waste management, rational the other hand, global warming has an impact on the one hand, they contribute to primary pollutant agriculture, etc. In short, reducing air pollution Aclimate on a global scale owing to greenhouse gas stagnation around roads, and, on the other hand, solar and mitigating climate change both require us to emissions, which mainly include carbon dioxide but radiation and heat, through a photochemical reaction, thoroughly review of our industrialised lifestyles, as also methane, nitrous oxide, etc.1 However, global turn the primary pollutants into secondary pollutants, well as our production- and consumption-driven society. warming and poor air quality are closely linked, including ozone. As a result, the pollutants are found in with particular regard to their origin, effects and the greater quantities in the air during a heatwave, and in Furthermore, the fight against these two phenomena actions required to tackle them. urban areas where traffic is denser and air conditioners must be considered as a whole, since a reduction run at full capacity. strategy applied to one will affect the other. Therefore, Firstly, the causes of air pollution and global warming it is necessary to study, pool and coordinate actions to are the same. Although the gases involved in either Yet, the pollutants have numerous effects on health reduce air pollution and to mitigate climate change. case are different, all are predominantly anthropogenic owing to the fine particles that enter our bodies: in origin. Human activities related to industry, transport, asthma attacks, decreased lung function, onset of housing and agriculture produce the pollutants that respiratory diseases, coughing and bronchitis. According cause air quality decline and global warming. to the World Health Organisation, nearly 7 million people die each year from poor air quality with children Secondly, air pollution and global warming have being the most affected.2 interconnected effects and the two mutually enhance 1 - AirParif and compound each other. Air pollution increases Moreover, on 24 October 2019, France was condemned 2 - WHO, press release “Nine in ten people breathe polluted air global warming because of certain aerosols, called by the Court of Justice of the European Union, after around the world,” Geneva, 2 May 2018.
36 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas 37 Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community- Based Approach and Public Health
TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 38 GUILLAUMEMYOP BINET/ 39 CHALLENGE
Climate change is one of the factors that exacerbate epidemic risks. Their consequences significantly contribute to the spread of certain diseases such as dengue fever, cholera or the Ebola virus. Although the first to be impacted, communities are not sufficiently involved in epidemic control strategies. Therefore, to prevent epidemic risks, the French Red Cross offers a response consisting of the community-based approach and health system reinforcement, while also integrating epidemiological surveillance systems. Preventing Epidemic The challenge resides in empowering communities to adequately prevent, detect and 3Risks: Community- Based Approach and respond to the various diseases that might affect them. Public Health
Climate change will cause an Vector-borne diseases The vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti additional 60,000 malaria deaths account for one billion and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes - both annually from the 2030s onwards. cases each year. responsible for dengue transmission - has increased by and (WHO, 2014) (WHO, 2016) 9.4% 11.1%, respectively, since 1950.
(The Lancet, 2018)
38 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 39 Observations
Epidemics are a crucial public health issue. Each year, there are more than 1 billion cases and more than 1 million deaths worldwide attributable to vector-borne diseases;1 infectious diarrhoeal diseases cause about 2 million deaths.2 Moreover, epidemics and their characteristics are constantly changing. Since the 1950s, the vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes - both responsible for dengue transmission - has increased by 9.4% and 11.1%, respectively.3 In 2016, the global vectorial capacity for dengue virus transmission reached its highest level ever,4 threatening 2.5 billion people in more than 100 countries.5
The epidemiology of vector-borne diseases is determined by a complex system of interactions and equilibria between climatic and meteorological factors, vectors, Population size Temperature humans and pathogens (viruses or parasites). Determinants of the evolution of and distribution and precipitation Social & Epidemic infectious diseases can range from land-use change to precarious health conditions, ecological Individual virological and or endemic context immunological factors disease demographic, societal and behavioural changes, to disruption of health and Community infrastructure Vector 6 and behaviour ecology surveillance systems. Thus, it is difficult to attribute a change in the epidemiology of Aquactic Vector capacity breeding and feeding vector-borne diseases to just one factor. For example, why is dengue or chikungunya Epidemiology sites opportunities so widespread geographically? Is it due to global warming, urbanisation, population movements, tourism or the emergence of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes? Vector density Clinical Control policies Dengue disease (& fitness & longevity) severity and services Vector Precarious health conditions, fragile health systems and unsafe hygiene practices control are a fertile breeding ground for the spread of epidemics. Thus, they are more likely Dengue transmission Herd immunity Community action to develop disproportionately in already vulnerable populations or in communities lacking adequate surveillance, detection or treatment capacities.
Climate exerts a strong influence on dengue transmissions - in interactions with many other non-climate factors.
Source: WHO, “Atlas of Health and Climate,” 2012.
40 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 41
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Climate change is one of the aggravating factors in epidemic evolution. Its impact on the distribution of infectious and parasitic diseases occurs at four levels:
Contributing to unsanitary conditions Extreme weather events, whose occurrence and intensity are exacerbated by climate change, are an aggravating factor in unsanitary conditions, and thus, the spread of infectious diseases. Not only do typhoons, abnormally heavy rainfall or floods contribute to the mixing of drinking water and waste water, but disasters can also disrupt water supply systems. Indeed, climate change is conducive to the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly cholera, meningitis, trachoma and haemorrhagic fever outbreaks.7
Influencing the ecology of disease transmission outbreak of anthrax - a disease that had been extinct for 75 years in the region - that The living conditions of vectors responsible for the spread of vector-borne diseases caused the deaths of several people and the hospitalisation of dozens more.10 Its (malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, Lyme disease, leishmaniasis, bubonic plague, origin was traced back to thawing bodies that had been buried in the 1940s, which etc.) are also affected by climate change. The general rise in temperatures, floods and occurred due to abnormally high temperatures in the region. Permafrost thawing, droughts contribute to extending the activity and reproduction periods of mosquitoes whose magnitude and speed have recently been revised upwards by IPCC scientists,11 and insects carrying infectious germs. Even small variations in temperature and threatens to release many other viruses and bacteria that have been frozen for precipitation can lead to great changes in the transmission of vector-borne diseases.8 thousands of years.12 Areas and seasons of epidemic risk are expanding, thus heightening the risk of transmission to humans.9 Indirect influence on other determinants of disease Climate change indirectly affects some of the determinants responsible for the Threats of disease re-emergence emergence of infectious diseases among populations. For example, climate change Global warming poses the threat of re-emergence of extinct or very rare diseases. is partly responsible for changes in agricultural practices, population movements or For example, in Siberia in 2016, the Moscow Institute of Epidemiology discovered an disruption of health systems, which are some of the causes of epidemic transmission.
40 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 41 Response Involving communities in epidemic control strategies is important.”
SENDY VEERABADREN, Head of delegation of the French Red Cross Regional Intervention The consequences of climate change thus affect the distribution of epidemics, but Platform for Americas-Caribbean do not fundamentally alter their characteristics. To this effect, whether the causes of an epidemic are aggravated by climate change or not, the following three actions are essential to responding effectively to an epidemic: disseminating good health practices among the population, rapidly identifying new cases, and then adequately managing the new cases.
The response to a health emergency is therefore based on two complementary pillars - the community-based approach and public health: > The public health approach makes it possible to invest in climate-resilient health systems so that they can anticipate the onset of diseases and carry out preventive and curative interventions. > The community-based approach helps facilitate and foster health stakeholders’ involvement in advocacy, and that of local stakeholders in terms of organising early 1 - WHO, “Atlas of Health and Climate,” 2012. detection, control and prevention of epidemics. 2 - Ibid. For community involvement to be effective, it can be complemented by establishing 3 - The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come. epidemiological surveillance means. This involvement is the first step towards empowering and training all stakeholders. Thus, everyone can develop skills in the 4 - Ibid. prevention, surveillance and detection of diseases that affect the people around them. 5 - WHO, Vector-borne diseases fact sheet, 2017.
Strengthening the resilience of the health system coupled with this community-based 6 - Leport & Guégan, “Emerging Infectious Diseases: Status and Prospects,” 2011, based on Woolhouse & approach allows for better care right from the onset of the first symptoms. Thus, an Gowtage-Sequeria (2005).
epidemic will have neither the time nor the capacity to spread. 7 - WHO, “Atlas of Health and Climate,” 2012.
8 - The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations Cooperation is one of the prerequisites for community involvement. It calls for for centuries to come. increased coordination at the geographical, multisectoral and multidisciplinary 9 - WHO, “Atlas of Health and Climate,” 2012. levels. An example is the One Health approach, which considers human, animal st and ecosystem health as an indivisible whole. Thus, complementarity between 10 - The Guardian, “Anthrax outbreak triggered by climate change kills boy in Arctic Circle,” 1 August 2016. humanitarian operators, institutions and civil society makes it possible to achieve 11 - IPCC, “Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate,” 2019. significant improvements in terms prevention, surveillance, detection and response. 12 - Le Monde, “A new giant virus, more than 30,000 years old, discovered in Siberia,” 4 March 2014.
42 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community-Based Approach and Public Health 43 Example of good practice Our recommendations A community-based surveillance project developed jointly by the Norwegian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is an example of successful epidemiological surveillance, based on community participation and a digital data collection tool. Volunteers, who are trained to recognise symptoms of a disease, can easily and quickly send information > Build community resilience through a about the cases they receive (types of symptoms, place of care, age, etc.). Thus, the centralisation of this crucial data makes it possible to understand how an multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach: epidemic evolves in real time and to effectively pool deployed resources for consider human, animal and ecosystem health as early management. a whole. > To achieve such a result, the project was tested several times in areas hit by Build community resilience through a epidemics in Haiti, Sierra Leone and Madagascar. Each time, the digital data participatory approach: train and endow collection tool being tested proved unsuitable. After 5 hackathons and a very populations with capacities for monitoring, detailed description of the needs, the right interface has been found and has early warning and response, promotion of good already made it possible to prevent two epidemics. Infected persons were practices, in order to better contribute to health treated promptly. The symptoms had been properly analysed and entered into systems. the system by trained volunteers. One week after the first reported case, no other cases were reported. > Develop research and use science to better understand climate change and its direct and indirect effects on health and propose appropriate responses.
42 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C PreventingPreventing Epidemic Epidemic Risks: Risks: Community-Based Community-Based Approach Approach and and Public Public Health Health 4343 Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Needs
44 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C CHALLENGE
Climate change can cause physical manifestations with significant health consequences, including risks of psychosocial disorders and mental health impairment (post-traumatic stress, anxiety, aggression, loss of one’s bearings, suicidal thoughts, etc.). To date, these effects on mental and psychological health are poorly documented, barely recognised and difficult to manage. Yet, they are factors that compound vulnerability. As regards available solutions, they involve integrating the psychological dimension into 4Addressing emergency response and putting prevention and training at the heart of programmes for Mental Health populations. and Psychosocial Support Needs
In the United States and Mexico, Up to 40% of people who have 85% of the French population a 1oC increase in average directly or indirectly experienced a are concerned about the global temperatures resulted in an natural disaster have shown some warming phenomenon.
increase in suicide rates by 0.7% form of psychopathology (mostly (IFOP, 2018) and 2.1%, respectively. anxiety but also suicidal thoughts or
(The Conversation, 2018) post-traumatic stress).
(American Psychological Association, 2017)
Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Needs 45 Observations
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a state of The development of psychological disorders and psychosocial problems is often the well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope result of complex, long-term factors. Various root causes can be cited, such as famine, with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to war or poverty, which can be accelerated by climatic variations.3 make a contribution to her or his community.1 Thus, mental health not only refers to psychological disorders or illness, but also to emotional resilience and psychosocial In addition, there is often a significant decrease in medical and psychiatric care for well-being. people with pre-existing mental illnesses in post-disaster periods, which is when they need it most.4 WHO estimates there will be 250,000 excess deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to clearly identified impacts of climate change.2 However, the risks and impacts According to the American Public Health Association,5 climate change affects people of climate change on mental health are not as well-known and are often overlooked. at three levels.
And yet, the shock experienced during a disaster, the loss of loved ones, the > Immediate impacts : these are direct and acute impacts mainly related to natural destruction of property and the disruption of the social fabric can result in trauma, disasters induced by climate change. Research has shown that climatic events difficulty coping and the inability to recover. Survivors may develop disorders such as with significant physical impacts can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, acute post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, sleep or mood disorders, as well as anxiety depression, anxiety, loss of autonomy, loss of one’s bearings, pathological grief, and suicidal thoughts, among others. survivor guilt, personality disorders, addiction, aggressive or suicidal behaviour.6 The recurrence of these events adds to the aggravation of certain psychosocial disorders, as the population is aware that the disaster suffered and the difficulties in overcoming it will be repeated. “Belonging to [focus] groups is an > Progressive impacts: the spread of infectious diseases, temperature rises important source of social support, but or droughts caused by climate change are causes of stress and anxiety. Higher it also gives us the opportunity to be temperatures and longer periods coincide with an increase in suicide rates,7 violence and aggression, or diminished hope for and positive projection into the future. much more effective. > Indirect impacts: Climate change has an indirect effect on mental health, SUSAN CLAYTON, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology, because of its potential impact on economic hardship, social and health College of Wooster, and Member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, etc. All these aspects, together with the risks of more frequent and intense natural disasters, are all potentially stressful and can lead to migration, especially if the community has already suffered a disaster.
46 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C PHYSICAL IM HEALTH PACTS development | chan fetal ges i ired en bon n fit pa ma, brok es & phy nes im trau sical s ical | heat-related illnes inju hys risk s | di rie p hma sure to sea s y ast ed expo pests & se i tit reas toxi nc en inc creased toxicity of ns re S d s s | in pois as C in ip gie on e H T al h ler ivy di d O n s s al s in E L C o on ie ru t s ti c p e A M A A r a en y te r e l et d d p L T P p e rg i e e M r e x c s rs T & l n in re e o N y ia m a c a n H M c e | INFR i r s s n U I m h s r D AS n e e e a E o o t s e N T c a d l s l e rd A R re s o a n a r e c f I N o n t o U a d o g M M H t o e s is S C s c g u h | urban and rural infrastructure e v m o r s d d e I T a l s M T io m n n a s E U s t s P T i t s s transportation networks l i s L o a o e o e u n t r n l r T R c n n i Y t e t i u o A s f S a c i n A t s s food security and crop production E e t i m o l y t a | c y & C | i Y i a E e f e economic sectors and services | human livelihoods n c s t I n o & r e e a S s d T h i n M d h r s t b o H t e m energy infrastructure | human security a e g u c e m S s b s | b u N r P i l d | a i i o e s a l m o r s e i n s n t A A t n t e e ti e - y g o a c t n i i c c n s C n s s i a o M g s l a s t p b p e L T e A IM s r U C u m b el p I P S s
u e p o e S A c s o d H Y C h H wildfires| flooding T
P drought | heat stress S changing temperatures rising sea levels | storms stress on freshwater resources | changing growing seasons
Source : EcoAmerica
AddressingAddressing Mental Mental Health Health and and Psychosocial Psychosocial Support Support Needs Needs 47
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over time, in addition to the pessimism it entails. The loss of hope for a positive future can be particularly heightened when it comes to climate change. Eco-anxiety (see box below), i.e., concerns about the impacts of climate change, can lead to Climate change has manifest impacts on mental health, although they are heightened stress over time and eventually lead to problems such as drug addiction often overlooked and not widely known, despite their potentially profound and or anxiety disorders.8 persistent nature.
In emergency contexts, the main focus in on treating physical injuries, while tending to mental disorders and illnesses seems secondary as deemed less vital. Treatment of Eco-anxiety pre-disaster mental illnesses is often discontinued following destruction or weakening of health facilities. The lack of attention to the effects of climate change on mental health can also be explained by the lack of training for relief workers involved with psychological support and mental illness management. Past generations were preoccupied with wars and then with AIDS and unemployment; the anxiety of the new generations emanates from climate Moreover, the various impacts of climate change on mental health do not always change. More and more research is highlighting the link between emotions such emerge in the days following the disaster. Disorders can occur gradually and are as anxiety, despair, anger, guilt or loss of hope in view of global issues, such as more difficult to detect than a physical injury. This makes it challenging to identify the consequences of climate change. The terms eco-anxiety, green depression or the people in need of care, especially if they do not wish to talk about the stress “solastalgia” are commonly used. they are experiencing. As early as 2017, the American Psychological Association, which represents American Managing the issue is complex, especially since climate change affects people in the psychologists, encouraged mental health professionals to work with communities at same community differently, i.e., depending on their vulnerabilities, communities, and risk of environmental decline, and was the first to define eco-anxiety as a “chronic geographical location. This makes it more difficult to anticipate the response, as it fear of a condemned environment.”9 needs to be tailored to each case. According to the Austrian philosopher Glenn Albretch, inventor of the term Psychosocial impacts vary from one individual to another, in addition to a number of “solastalgia,” this concept is defined as “the state of impotence and profound pre-existing vulnerabilities: women, children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases distress caused by the disruption of an ecosystem.” The word comes from the English and people with disabilities can be particularly prone to greater psychological and word “solace,” which means comfort, and from the Greek word algos, meaning pain. social disorders when the impacts of climate change affect them, be they direct or indirect impacts. Therefore, eco-anxiety manifests itself as a kind of depression that primarily affects victims of the direct consequences of climate change, but also people who are not This makes the response more difficult to anticipate because it must be adapted directly affected. The previously prevailing sentiment that climate change impact is to each case. as a thing of the distant future has changed. Today’s generation realises that they will not be spared regardless of their location, and that climate change will have an Most crises (disasters, conflicts) usually have a beginning and an end. Climate change, impact on their daily lives.10 This awareness can lead to severe anxiety, fear, anger or on the other hand, can be a source of serious concern in terms of its implications a feeling of helplessness.
48 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Eco-anxiety
AddressingAddressing Mental Mental Health Health and and Psychosocial Psychosocial Support Support Needs Needs 49 Response
In the field of mental health, everyone who has experienced a climate disaster is at risk, but each individual is affected in a different way and develops more or less serious disorders (sleep, mood, diet, behaviour, etc.), which can result in depressed, Preparedness is essential to limiting the risk of developing psychosocial disorders anxious or aggressive states that can lead to risky behaviour (taking drugs, alcohol and severe mental health impairment related to the consequences of climate abuse, etc.), violence (directed towards others or towards oneself), etc. It is therefore change. It concerns individuals, communities, but also humanitarian operators, essential to adapt the responses according to the various degrees of affliction volunteers and employees. identified in the people affected by a disaster.
In the context of climate change, it is hope that is affected. Thus, this involves working with people to help them better prepare and adapt, and thereby helping restore hope, which is crucial to well-being.
The awareness-raising programmes offered to children in schools to help them
integrate good practices and good actions in the event of disasters are an example of 1 - WHO, “Mental health: strengthening our response” in Fact Sheet, No. 220, March 2018. public preparedness measures. 2 - Nick Watts, W Neil Adger, Paolo Agnolucci, Jason Blackstock, Prof Peter Byass, Wenjia Cai et al., “Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health” in The Lancet, 2015. At community level, this involves strengthening infrastructure (providing training for 3 - Katie Hayes, G. Blashki, J. Wiseman, S. Burke and L. Reifels, “Climate change and mental health: risks, education and health personnel, for example), and also identifying and supporting impacts and priority actions” in International Journal of Mental Health Systems, volume 12, 2018. associations, which will then be easier to activate or reactivate after a disaster. 4 - L. Page and L. Howard, “The impact of climate change on mental health (but will mental health be discussed at Copenhagen)?” in Psychological Medicine Online, 30 November 2009. Finally, at staff level, this preparedness may include training in psychological first aid 5 - American Public Health Association, “Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health,” 2017. (PFA), which would enable them to be more effective in supporting people in distress. In addition, it is essential to help those who provide support, to watch over their well- 6 - Katie Hayes, G. Blashki, J. Wiseman, S. Burke and L. Reifels, “Climate change and mental health: risks, impacts and priority actions,” op. cit. being, as well as their ability to provide both disaster recovery support and support to 7 - Marshall Burke, Felipe González, Patrick Baylis, Sam Heft-Neal, Ceren Baysan, Sanjay Basu & Solomon adapt to climate change and positively project into the future. Hsiang, “Higher temperatures increase suicide rates in the United States and Mexico” in Nature Climate Change, vol. 8, 2018, pp. 723-729.
In 2015, WHO defined a framework for building climate-resilient health systems, 8 - Mental Health and Our Changing Climate. Impacts, Implications, and Guidance (coll.), American with particular regard to mental health. The framework provides advice to health Psychological Association, May 2017.
professionals to help them anticipate, prevent and prepare for potential trauma and 9 - Mental Health and Our Changing Climate. Impacts, Implications, and Guidance (coll.), American injuries related to climate change effects. The goal is to protect populations’ standard Psychological Association, op. cit. of health by strengthening the capacity of health systems to cope, adapt, support and 10 - Audrey Garric and Pascale Krémer, “Eco-anxiety, green breakdown or ‘solastalgia’: French people recover from a climate change event. affected by climate anxiety”in Le Monde, 23 June 2019.
50 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Example of good practice Our recommendations
The Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, hosted by the Danish Red Cross, mainly develops knowledge and skills on mental health and psychosocial issues, but also enhances preparedness of staff and volunteers of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other humanitarian organisations, in order to address needs in > Build resilience of individuals and communities by designing these fields, whether in the event of conflict, a natural disaster or any appropriate, positive messages. The messages must incorporate other humanitarian crisis. It has developed various training modules on behaviours designed to limit climate change, while ensuring that psychological first aid designed to contribute towards this goal. everyone continues to adopt a positive growth mindset in keeping with an outlook that accounts for consequences of climate change. In addition, since 2016, the Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support has been co-chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Mental > Build community resilience through a participatory approach: Health and Psychosocial Support Reference group, whose main role is act for and with communities, by strengthening social ties and to support mental health and psychosocial support coordination groups community solidarity while respecting their cultural values. at national level, and in various humanitarian contexts. The main goals of this reference group are to support stakeholders and to advocate for > Include continuous psychosocial support at all stages: the implementation of the guidelines for mental health and psychosocial - Prior to crises in a consistent manner in order to boost social support, particularly in emergency situations.* cohesion and the capacity for resilience. These actions also entail strengthening humanitarian operators’ capacities through More recently, several members of the International Red Cross and Red appropriate training and support. Crescent Movement have embarked on a project entitled “MOvement - During crises to limit the risk of exacerbated consequences on for Responding to MENTal Health and Psychosocial Support Needs their mental health. This entails providing support activities such as Arising from Armed Conflict, Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies” psychological first aid or “child-friendly spaces.” (MOMENT). The MOMENT project is led by the International Committee of - In post-crisis recovery, or as backing for continued adaptation to the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent climate change effects, in order to foster positive constitution or Societies, the Swedish Red Cross and Danish Red Cross. Its goals are: > To develop an International Red Cross and Crescent Movement policy reconstitution of individuals and communities. for adoption by its Council of Delegates 2019. > To advocate for the inclusion of this issue in the agenda of the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. > To help draw more attention to mental health and psychosocial support needs.
* IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, Annual Report 2017, p. 14.
AddressingAddressing Mental Mental Health Health and and Psychosocial Psychosocial Support Support Needs Needs 51 Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 53 52 GUILLAUMEMYOP BINET/ CHALLENGE
Climate change - by leading to higher global temperatures and the now recurrent and more intense extreme weather events - has adverse effects, particularly on global hunger. The resulting food insecurity and malnutrition have impacts on human health through disease, lack of clean water, poor sanitation and by affecting the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations. In order to cope, it is possible to implement a variety of adaptation solutions, ranging from prevention to preparedness and response, sometimes Addressing Food using innovative means. 5Insecurity and Malnutrition
The number of people suffering Without adaptation, researchers If women had the same access to from malnutrition or food estimate that climate change will productive resources as men, they insecurity increased to more than slow the growth of global yields by could increase their farm output by 800 million in 2017, partly 5-30% by à 2050. 20-30% and reduce the number of due to climate change. food-insecure people in the world (World Bank, 2013) . (FAO, 2018) by 12-17% (FAO, 2011)
52 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 53 Observations
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have highlighted the need to move away from a separate approach to food security and nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable management of natural resources.
It is time to recognise that climate change and the ensuing meteorological phenomena are significantly contributing to rising global hunger.
Temperatures are rising, there are more and more heat events, precipitation is increasingly variable and rainy seasons are changing (period, duration and intensity). The frequency and severity of droughts, floods, storms and other climate-induced disasters have intensified over the past three decades, amplifying damage in the agricultural sectors of many developing countries, with the risk of increasing food insecurity, as warned by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Thus, according to The State of Food Security and Nutrition, a report published in 2018 by FAO, climate variability and extremes are among the key factors, besides conflicts, behind the recent rise in global hunger, and are among the leading causes of severe food crises. They have a major impact on food production and on populations’ access to sufficient food, both quantitatively and qualitatively, thus significantly affecting food security. The cumulative effects of climate change are detrimental to all dimensions of food security (availability, access, use and stability). Populations’ future exposure to more intense and frequent climate changes threatens “to erode or even reverse the gains made in ending hunger and malnutrition.” The number of malnourished people, i.e., those facing chronic undernourishment, increased from nearly 804 million in 2016 to 821 million in 2017. Even more glaringly, the number of people suffering from malnutrition or food insecurity increased from between 37 and witnessing a disturbing erosion and reversal of the gains made in the fight to end 122 million to more than 800 million between 2014 and 2017, partly due to climate hunger. According to the IPCC, global warming by 1.5°C could lead to a very high risk shocks.1 After decades of decline, food insecurity has risen again since 2015, and of food shortages in many regions already affected by a food crisis. In a world warmer we are now at the same level as we were almost 10 years ago. We are therefore by 2°C, an additional 189 million people would be at risk of food insecurity.2
54 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 55 destroyed, crops ravaged, leading to reduced yields and higher prices. In addition, Issues this deprives small producers of the physical capacity to work outdoors, sometimes depriving their families and communities of income or foodstuffs.
The situation is all the more alarming as it is the most vulnerable people who suffer the impacts of climate change, especially women, children and the poorest populations. For the most part, those who suffer the most are the poorest Climate change affects nutrition security through multiple impacts on food security, households in countries in the southern hemisphere (regions most vulnerable sanitation, health and care practices, as well as livelihoods. These dimensions are to climate change), mostly small producers who depend on subsistence farming, interconnected and dependent on each other. fisheries or livestock farming. The added burden on women can also affect their care and feeding practices, leading to higher risks of malnutrition for children. Yet, the Food insecurity and malnutrition can contribute to the emergence of many diseases resilience of vulnerable people, namely their capacity to absorb these exogenous such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, poisoning, etc., due particularly to deficiencies, lack shocks, is often very limited or even depleted, forcing them to resort to negative of hygiene or sanitation. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that they coping strategies (reduction of food intake, sale of productive assets, etc.) that account for 35% of under-five-year-old deaths and 11% of global morbidity, resulting in aggravate their food and nutritional insecurity. Consequently, these populations run 3.5 million maternal and child deaths. In addition, foetal and child malnutrition would the risk of falling into vicious cycles of debt and impoverishment. increase the risk of obesity in adults.
Climate change also has devastating effects on water resource availability and quality. According to the 2019 WHO/UNICEF report, some 2.2 billion people still lack safely-managed drinking water services and 4.2 billion lack safely-managed sanitation 3 CLIMATE CHANGE ESTIMATED CHANGES IMPACT ON NUTRITION services. Global warming and the growth of the world’s population are now exerting (change in frequency and severity) additional pressure on water resources. Change in the type(s) and quantity Changes in availability of foods available, especially staples, Drinking water is first and foremost an indispensable food Codex( Alimentarius). Its may affect nutrient intake. quality and availability are crucial for good nutrition and health. In July 2000, the Floods Reduce dietary quantity, quality and UN General Assembly even recognised the right of individuals to drinking water as Increase in food prices diversity = micronutrient intake and a fundamental right that is “essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human increased risk of deficiencies. rights.” Unreliable and heavier Nutrient content of staple foods Changes to nutrient weather pattern may be altered, further composition Water of sufficient quantity and quality is also essential for agricultural production reducing nutrient intake. and food preparation and processing.4 It is therefore necessary to provide drinking Lower income affects household food Reduced household water and adequate sanitation facilities to ensure food security for all. Temperature purchasing, reducing dietary quality income and quantity. Food security and livelihoods are impacted by climate change through rising Coping with the impact of climate Need for mitigation/ temperatures and associated natural disasters. Indeed, they have a considerable change will require additional legislative Drought adaptation strategies impact on the production of land- and sea-based foodstuffs. Ecosystems are being and programmatic measures.
54 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 55
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Food insecurity and malnutrition exacerbated by climate change are not inevitable and can be addressed.
Awareness-raising and training on nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, maternal and child health are essential to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition (including undernutrition and overnutrition). Depending on the context of interventions, practices and needs, support must be provided at the individual level, but also at the household and community level. It is also one of the elements developed by the French Red Cross in West Africa through the “Mothers’ Clubs” approach.
Adapting practices by promoting agroecology, water resource protection, ecosystem protection in general, etc. also helps provide solutions. Enhancing research, as is the case of the French Red Cross Foundation or the Lasdel laboratory in Niger, helps understand contexts and analyse responses to make the most of them.
Preparedness for the response is of course essential and, in this context, strengthening the health system plays a significant positive role. Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), developed by Concern Worldwide, received UN endorsement in 2007 for its set of simple and practical tools designed to help government health teams to better respond to peak malnutrition management. The resilience of health systems is strengthened through a series of steps that associate the analysis of context, risks, capacities and needs, at each level, by agreeing on actions required within and outside government.
Implementing these options to address food and nutrition insecurity has involved 1 - FAO et al., The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2018, tables 2, 4 and 7. working on multisectoral and participatory approaches as well as investing in long- term programmes. Finally, innovative means have improved the effectiveness and 2 - IPCC, “Impacts of 1.5 °C of Global Warming on Natural and Human Systems” in Global Warming of efficiency of the programmes undertaken, as well as the speed of response: the 1.5 °C, 2018. Forecast-based Financing approach, the Farmers’ Insurance Scheme (Munich Re) or 3 - UNICEF and WHO, Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. 2000-2017. Special blockchain technology (used notably by the Kenyan Red Cross, the Danish Red Cross focus on inequalities, New York, 2019. and UNUMED to transfer cash to drought-affected households). 4 - HLPE, Water for food security and nutrition, Rome, 2015.
56 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 57 Example of good practice Our recommendations The “Mothers’ Clubs” have been set up by the French Red Cross and its partners in West Africa.
It is a community-based approach aimed at reducing the vulnerability of households, especially women, and improving their livelihoods, thereby strengthening their resilience and well-being, but also reaching out to > Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary and their communities in a wider sense. multisectoral approach for greater effectiveness and efficiency: associate food security, health and health care, sanitation and The “Mothers’ Club” is a group of women, who meet to exchange and raise livelihoods. awareness among other members of the community on topics for which they have previously been trained (maternal and child health, hygiene, > Build community resilience through a participatory approach: sanitation, nutrition, etc.). Three aspects characterise these clubs: acting for and with communities in an integrated manner, while > Implementation of community activities, awareness-raising on good drawing on their knowledge and expertise. practices to improve the living conditions of households and communities. > Contribution to two pooled funds: the Solidarity Health Fund, intended > Act at all levels, from individuals to policymakers, households, for women and their children to access health care, and, the Resilience communities, health services, the education system; communicate Fund, intended for mutual assistance and the development of economic and raise awareness. initiatives. > Development of economic initiatives - individual and collective Income > Fund and implement long-term programs while building solid, Generating Activities (IGAs) - is a unifying element of these groupings, sustainable resilience; develop forecast-based funding. necessary to ensure their empowerment and sustainability of access to credit. > Strengthen nutritional care by accounting for malnutrition as a whole (undernutrition and overnutrition). The main results show that all these activities have had a positive > Strengthen innovative practices and methods such as early impact on the living conditions of households (health, education, food, warning systems as well as rapid and safe cash transfers. productive assets) and on communities, with significant behavioural change, particularly in terms of health and nutrition through community awareness-raising activities.
Beyond food security, the “Mother’s Clubs” have enabled women to be recognised by their communities, improved women’s participation in the family economy, increased women’s empowerment and emancipation, and strengthened social cohesion within communities.
56 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C AddressingAddressing FoodFood InsecurityInsecurity andand MalnutritionMalnutrition 57 The General Assembly […] recognizes the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.”
Resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 28 July 2010 (A/RES/64/292)
58 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 59 Climate Change and Water
he impact of climate change on water, absorbing more than 90% of the excess heat in the increasing the risk of cholera and other water-borne and on the water cycle in particular, climate system to date), ocean acidification, oxygen diseases,” indicated NASA researchers in Scientific affects all water resources, including depletion and changes in nutrient supply are already Reports. Yet, still according to WHO and UNICEF, lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. affecting ecosystems, distribution and abundance of 4.2 billion people are deprived of safely-managed This has a significant impact on marine life, which human beings require in order to sanitation services.2 weather events and on water live in a healthy and safe environment. availability and quality. In July 2000, the UN General Assembly even With regard to food security, it should be recalled recognised individuals’ right to drinking water as TThus, it impacts the frequency and intensity of that drinking water is ultimately a foodstuff (Codex a fundamental right that is “essential for the full so-called natural disasters, as well as food security, Alimentarius) that is essential to good nutrition and enjoyment of life and all human rights.” hygiene and sanitation. health. In addition, water of sufficient quantity and quality is also essential for agricultural production Global warming and the world’s growing population Most of the solar energy trapped in the atmosphere and food preparation and processing. Yet, according are now exerting additional pressure on water by greenhouse gases is absorbed and stored by to a 2019 WHO/UNICEF report, some 2.2 billion people resources, often leading to tensions and conflicts. the oceans, with consequences for currents and still lack safely-managed drinking water services.1 Water has become a major geopolitical issue. temperature. These effects are exacerbated by the Climate change is a major contributor, particularly as melting ice, which no longer reflects solar energy in a result of extreme weather events, such as droughts, space, contributing to global warming and greater but also floods that pollute drinking water resources discharge of fresh water into the oceans. or storms and cyclones that damage infrastructure.
Changes in water currents and temperature result in Water also guarantees good hygiene and safe extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones and sanitation. “Extreme weather conditions, such as storms, with considerable damage to populations. floods, associated with severe thunderstorms and natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons or 1 - UNICEF and WHO, Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. 2000-2017: Special focus on inequalities, According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate earthquakes, can weaken water supply systems, New York, 2019. Change (IPCC), ocean warming (subsequent to exposing drinking water to waste water, thereby 2 - Ibid.
58 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnutrition 59 Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate- Induced Population Movements 60 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 61 CHALLENGE
Climate change is sometimes an invisible factor in migration, as it adds to other factors and is rarely identified as the sole cause of migration. However, it is now recognised as a driving force behind population movements. Its health impacts are manifold. Both at the mental level because natural disasters are a source of stress that add to the stress of migration, but also at the physical level because there is little health infrastructure on migration routes to manage chronic diseases, communicable diseases Addressing the Health and non-communicable diseases. The irregular administrative situation in which some 6Challenges of Climate- Induced Population populations find themselves excludes them from ordinary care arrangements, leading to Movements the aggravation of illnesses and their lack of care. It is therefore essential to provide a response both on migration routes and on arrival in the country of destination.
The United Nations Refugee Agency More than 258 million In 2018, 1,600 disasters estimates that, since 2008, around migrants worldwide live outside triggered an internal population 21.5 million people have been their country of birth. displacement. forcibly displaced by the risks of sudden (UN, 2018) (IDMC, 2019) emergence of hazards linked to bad weather such as floods, storms, forest fires and extreme temperatures.
(UNHCR, 2016)
60 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 61 Observations
other environmental factors” are a cause of migration. Through the Declaration, the Member States decided to work towards the adoption of a global pact on refugees.
To this end, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration or Climate change and natural disasters are factors that contribute to the “Marrakesh Pact” was adopted on 10 and 11 December 2018. It recognises that displacement of people. Droughts, falling agricultural yields, floods, rising water migration can be caused “by sudden or gradual natural disasters, the adverse levels, increasing natural disasters and extreme weather events are disrupting the effects of climate change, environmental deterioration and other precarious lives of entire communities and pushing more and more people into exile. situations.”
In its latest report, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) recorded 10.8 Migration is diverse, ranging from temporary (some populations leaving their place million new displacements worldwide between January and June 2019, of which 7 of residence when temperatures become too high) to permanent, internal to the million were disaster-related compared to 3.8 million due to conflict and violence. country of residence or internationally.
Identifying the number of environment-related migrations is complex because In any case, this likely increase in the number of international migrants and climate change is not always the only reason for departures. However, worsening internally displaced persons poses a challenge in terms of providing care and climatic conditions are expected to amplify the phenomenon: the 2030 Strategy meeting health needs. of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stresses that the trend towards migration should increase, especially as climate change and the environmental crisis will make some areas difficult to inhabit and lead to population movements.
Several international texts recognise that climate change has an impact on migration.
Thus, the Paris Agreement, adopted on 12 December 2015, affirms that climate As a Pacific National change is “a matter of concern to all humanity” and includes a reference to Society, 2°C is the migrants. It calls on the parties to respect, promote and take into account their respective obligations towards migrant persons. It will establish a Working Group maximum. We will not on Displacement with a mandate to develop recommendations for integrated approaches to avoid, minimise and respond to displacement related to climate be able to cope beyond change impacts. this increase. Please
On 19 September 2016, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the New York consider us. We are small but we exist." Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. It recognises that “the adverse effects of JACQUELINE DEROIN DE GAILLANDE, Secretary General of the Vanuatu Red Cross climate change, natural disasters (some of which are related to climate change) or
62 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 63 LARGEST DISASTERS EVENTS BETWEEN JANUARY AND JUNE 2019
02 May Cyclone Fani India and NEW DISPLACEMENTS Bangladesh There were about 7 millions new displacements 3,475,000 associated with more than 950 disaster events in 102 country and territories in the first half of 2019.
01 Jan 22 Jan 04 Mar 12 Jun Floods Floods Cyclone Idai Cyclone Vayu (Country-wide) (Davao) Mozambique, India Bolivia Philippines Malawi, Zimbabwe 289,000 *73,000 106,000 and Madagascar 617,000 01 May Floods (Country-wide) Ethiopia 190,000 01 Jan 26 Jan 19 Mar 17 Jun Drought Floods and Floods Earthquake (Six states) Landslides (Country-wide) (Sichuan) Somalia (Davao) Iran China *72,000 Philippines 500,000 80,000 299,000
1st Jan 2019 *The estimates represent the number of new displacements reported 30th Jun 2019 between the 1st of January and the 30th of June 2019.
Source : www.internal-displacement.org
62 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges off Climate-InducedClimate-Induced PopulationPopulation MovementsMovements 63 Can we Talk about “Climate" Refugees?
To date, there is no internationally accepted definition of human mobility driven by environmental causes. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has proposed a definition:
“Environmental migrants are a person or group(s) of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, are forced to leave their places of habitual residence, or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move within or outside their country of origin or habitual residence.”
The term “climate refugee” has no legal value. Refugee status is defined by the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 and applies to “a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality.”
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement chooses not to make any distinction related to status when assisting people in their migratory journey. The IFRC’s 2009 Migration Policy, which applies to all National Societies, states The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has chosen a broad that it applies “to migrant workers, stateless migrants and migrants deemed definition of migrants: “Migrants are all people who leave or flee their home irregular by public authorities. It also concerns refugees and asylum-seekers, to seek safety or better prospects abroad, and who may be in distress and without prejudice to the fact that they constitute a special category under need of protection or humanitarian assistance. Refugees and asylum seekers, international law.” who are entitled to specific protection under international law, are included in this description.”* * ICRC, The ICRC’s response to the needs of vulnerable migrants, October 2018.
64 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 65 Issues
Finally, people fleeing their homes due to different climatic hazards face the highest health risks upon arrival in the country of destination. As refugee status cannot be attributed to persons who have fled their country of origin for climatic reasons, they How does climate change affect the health, access to essential care and services can find themselves in an irregular administrative situation in countries of transit and of migrant populations in this context? arrival, and their health status is found to be the most deteriorated because they have no place in the health system and do not have access to health care facilities. Despite various international initiatives, morbidity and mortality rates among migrants remain very high, especially among irregular migrants, which remains a Thus, as the WHO Europe report4 points out, migrants generally arrive in Europe in good major health issue.1 health, but the deteriorated reception conditions then foster pathology development. Precarious living conditions such as eating poorer quality food, lack of access to safe Displaced persons face increased mental health risks. In some regions, climate change drinking water, inability to bathe and lack of exercise increase the risk of developing can lead to regular or sudden climate events, requiring urgent population displacement. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic diseases. Difficulties in accessing These phenomena have a strong impact on the mental health of internally displaced care often lead to late diagnosis at an advanced stage of illness, and high mortality persons, as highlighted by WHO in its Technical Guidance on the Mental Health rates among pregnant women and newborns, as well as congenital diseases. of Refugees and Migrants. They often occur unexpectedly, forcing people to react unpreparedly, sometimes at night, and to leave their homes very quickly. Places And the climate changes that have led many people to migrate may well constitute an of relocation can also be a source of stress for people who have to learn to live in additional obstacle to their well-being in their country of arrival, where, for example, makeshift shelters that do not correspond to their traditional dwellings, causing loss of increased frequency of major heatwaves can exacerbate their vulnerability and cultural bearings. This is reinforced by the recurrence of natural phenomena that add cause exhaustion, heart attacks and aggravate existing pathologies such as heart or stress to these populations and impair their mental health. respiratory diseases5 given their precarious living conditions.
Some populations must abandon everything behind and go into long-term exile, with migratory routes that are often very traumatic.2
Family separations are also common during population movements and the “Climate migration is the psychological repercussions are deep-seated. human face of climate change: Beyond the psychological aspect, living conditions on migration routes have a significant impact on people’s physical health - accidental injuries, hypothermia, it concerns people. burns, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular events, complications related to MARIAM TRAORE CHAZALNOEL, Migration, Environment pregnancy and childbirth, diabetes and hypertension, among others.3 They may and Climate Change Expert, International Organisation result in the discontinuation of ongoing treatments for diseases requiring follow-up for Migration (IOM) over time, such as chronic diseases. Other health risks such as nutritional disorders, psychosocial disorders, alcoholism and exposure to violence are not adequately addressed due to the lack of adequate medical facilities or programmes.
64 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 65 Response Through its foundation, the French Red Cross has been conducting research since 2018 on the health of migrants and on how to provide better care and innovative responses. For example, the research examines the food practices and experiences of migrants in France and aims to gain a better understanding of what food aid represents as well as its role.
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) has developed a global In this context, it is crucial to integrate migrants into health care systems to ensure displacement risk model.7 On the basis of past displacements, their location, magnitude detection of potential diseases and their care as early as possible. and causes, it aims to produce, relevant data, evidence and analyses to adjust policy and operational responses. IFRC has a Global Migration Strategy that places the health of migrants at the heart of its actions and those of National Societies. This risk model can help anticipate climate-related health needs by geographic area and provide the most comprehensive response possible. With the support of National Societies, it strives to provide migrants with access to health throughout their migratory journey in their countries of destination and transit, through health programmes that include mental health and psychosocial Probability of support, but also in their country of origin through reintegration programmes that destruction include a health dimension.6 Probability of incurring damage Probability of In its Strategic Aim 1, the strategy calls for National Societies to provide migrants not being affected with first aid services, basic health care, mental health and psychosocial support, Risk of displacement Hazard Exposure Vulnerability and to refer them to services that can provide them with such services. This is the case with the French Red Cross, in cooperation with the ICRC in Agadez, Niger. To this end, training is provided to ensure that National Societies are endowed with the capacity to respond to the needs of migrant persons, particularly those related to their irregular administrative status or protection. IFRC’s 2030 Strategy, which will be adopted in December 2019, provides support to migrants along key migration routes, thereby seeking to provide the most comprehensive response possible and to avoid 1 - IOM, Migration and Health, 2018. disruption of treatment and care. 2 - IOM, Manual on Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Displacement, 2019. To this effect, the French Red Cross set up a health monitoring file for the migrant 3 - WHO, Migration and Health, FAQs, February 2017. persons whom it receives for medical consultation, which has been in place 4 - WHO Regional office for Europe, Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European since 2017. The file allows for simpler and more effective medical follow-up and Region, No public health without refugee and migrant health, 2018. faster referral to the most appropriate care facilities. Thanks to this document, 5 - WHO Regional Office for Europe, Migration and Health: Key Issues. which is strictly personal and confidential, health care professionals have all the necessary information (family, surgical or medical history, allergies and illnesses), 6 - IFRC Global Strategy on Migration, Reducing Vulnerability, Enhancing Resilience, 2017. guaranteeing quality care. 7 - The global risk model is available on the IDMC website: internal-displacement.org
66 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C Addressing the Health Challenges of Climate-Induced Population Movements 67
334998FMS_Schemas_CRF_ENGL.indd 5 13/11/2019 09:24 Example of good practice Our recommendations In partnership with the Danish Red Cross and UNUMED, the Kenyan Red Cross developed a digital biometric recognition solution in Kalobeyei camp in Kenya. The camp, which was established in June 2016 and is jointly managed by UNHCR and the Kenyan Red Cross, opened a health centre in 2017.
The camp mainly hosts refugees from neighbouring countries (South Sudan, > Establish universal health coverage to ensure access to basic Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The teams have health care for all, regardless of individuals’ administrative taken care of approximately 38,000 people (refugees and local populations). status.
The challenge at this pilot site was to identify and adequately respond to > Provide early psychological support, upstream of population multiple health needs (injuries, communicable diseases, non-communicable movements, to persons at risk of displacement. diseases such as diabetes). > Deploy health centres along migratory routes, within With the support of a private IT company, a biometric patient identification “humanitarian services points,” and develop tools that make it and registration solution has been implemented. The solution is designed possible to monitor the health of people in transit, and which are to improve patient management by ensuring reliable monitoring of their medical records. endowed with the capacity to protect their personal data, and avoid interruption of treatment In a migration context, information about people’s medical records and identity is often lost. This makes it difficult to identify a person using only > Provide access to primary health and psychological support their name because several people can use a similar name. Identification services in all camps and places where migrants are detained. from the iris allows reliable identification because the iris is unique to each person. This ensures that caregivers have access to the right person’s file > Adapt the infrastructure of camps hosting migrant populations and that proper medical follow-up is carried out. to make them resilient to natural disasters, to limit the risk of contagion and maintain hygienic conditions that mitigate Similarly, the digitisation of medical records makes it possible to record spreading of certain pathologies. data and obtain an overview of the health status of migrant persons. This allows professionals to identify the most common diseases and adopt an appropriate response depending on the presence of the diseases in the different parts of the camps. The tool is also particularly useful for planning interventions and necessary medications.
Monitoring care, activities and needs is thus facilitated and precise.
66 Taking Care of Humankind at +2°C AddressingAddressing the the Health Health Challenges Challenges o fo Climate-Inducedf Climate-Induced Population Population Movements Movements 67 67 Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate
68 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C CHALLENGE
Climate change is generating tensions and appears to be an amplifier of vulnerabilities rather than a direct cause of conflict (water scarcity, destruction of living quarters, etc.). It exacerbates situations that can lead to conflict, thus enhancing the complexity of the existing situation. Access to health care is already difficult in a conflict that may or may not be exacerbated by climate change, as infrastructure and caregivers are affected by attacks or targeted. In some contexts, the number of conflict victims is compounded Preventing7 Health by victims affected by climate change, increasing pressure on an already crippled Needs Related to the health system that is unable to provide care to the new victims. The response to this Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate new challenge must therefore integrate the climate change dimension into traditional conflict response.
Between May 2016 and April As a result of an intensification In Yemen, only 2018, the ICRC recorded of armed violence in Burkina 45% of medical facilities more than 1, 200 incidents Faso since the beginning of the were still operational at the against the staff, the wounded year, more than 500,000 end of 2017. and health facilities in 16 countries people have been deprived of (ICRC, 2019) affected by armed conflict and health care.
other emergencies. (ICRC, 2019) (ICRC, 2018)
Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate 69 Observations
situations of violence.4 It is a multiplier of vulnerabilities that contributes to poverty and social exclusion, which can foster contexts of violence.
The origins of armed conflict are complex and diverse: power relations, economic Research1 on the main drivers of existing conflicts shows that climate change, alone, and political tensions between communities, exclusion of minorities and access to does not necessarily directly cause or trigger armed conflict.2 However, climate natural resources. Climate change can influence these various factors. change heightens the impact of conflict on the population.3 In other words, there is no causal link but rather a correlation between armed conflict and climate change. The situation in the Sahel region illustrates how climate change can exacerbate More specifically, climate change is seen as a “risk multiplier” that exacerbates pre-existing inter-community tensions, in this case between livestock and crop social, economic and environmental risks that can lead to armed conflict or other farmers. While this is due to population growth in the region, ancestral land disputes, land decline due to animal passage and access to natural resources, these factors are compounded by global warming and the failure of local authorities to adopt mitigation measures. The exacerbation of inter-community conflicts by the effects of climate change is reflected in increased poverty, “There are no solutions that will come declining public services and disruption of traditional livelihoods.
alone from the humanitarian sector. Conversely, armed conflicts are also described as a driver or multiplier of Humanitarian needs in conflict settings are vulnerabilities for individuals or communities facing climate change effects. Armed conflicts, particularly protracted conflicts, undermine the individual or already overwhelming the humanitarian collective capacity to adapt to climate change. Thus, a population in an area that is less vulnerable to climate change but is heavily affected by armed conflict and system capacities. Solid political therefore unable to cope with climate shocks and stress situations will suffer interventions and collective actions are more severe impacts than a population living in an area that is highly at risk but where government and society are able to adapt.5 In protracted conflict situations needed. It is important to envisage how where absorptive and adaptive capacities are weaker (such as Yemen), the effect to put the existing initiatives is much greater. together for a more significant impact. DR. ESPERANZA MARTINEZ, Head of Health, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
70 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C DEATHS INJURIES DESTRUCTION
NO MEDICAL TREATMENT NO WATER NO ELECTRICITY
NO TELEPHONE WAR INJURIES EPIDEMICS NO HELP DEATHS INFIRMITIES DISEASES
DISPLACED POPULATIONS
Source : ICRC film,Explosive weapons in populated areas, consequences for civilians.
Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate 71
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Humanitarian organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have found that armed conflict and climate change consist of various factors that increase vulnerabilities and risks to individuals and the community as a whole. Countries affected by armed conflict and climate change are therefore considered to be extremely vulnerable, as communities are more impacted and less resilient when affected by both phenomena: the ICRC has drawn up a list of 30 countries of particular concern, including Mali, Chad, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Myanmar and Yemen.
The combined effects of climate change and armed conflict definitely have a considerable impact on growing health needs and on health infrastructure.
Climate change, together with rising temperatures, is leading to the re-emergence of diseases in different countries, such as malaria (in Colombia, Kenya and Ethiopia) or dengue fever (in Myanmar, for example); it is causing epidemics and the ensuing disasters are causing new injuries.
These climate-related health needs are emerging in a health context already undermined by armed conflict. Armed conflicts have a serious impact on health personnel and facilities. Health personnel, medical vehicles and facilities are victims of deliberate or unintentional attacks ranging from theft of medicines to shelling in armed conflicts,6 even though the number of conflict-related injuries remains high.
Violence affecting health care makes access to basic health services and essential medical services (maternal and child health, vaccinations, medicines, etc.) difficult if not impossible when structures are destroyed or located in combat zones.
This contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, which are being addressed by government agencies and humanitarian organisations, even as climate change exerts additional pressure on local and national systems that are already eroded by conflict.7
72 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Preventing Health Needs Related to the Combined Effects of Conflict and Climate 73 Response
Climate change complicates and changes contexts on a fundamental level. Government agencies and humanitarian organisations will have to integrate this new aspect into their response framework, which must now incorporate the climate change dimension on top of conflict.
Until now, climate change response programmes have been considered either in a context of armed conflict or stable governance. Programmes need to be considered in light of this double vulnerability.8
Unlike other contexts, in a situation where “classic” conflict and climate change effects are both present, it is not possible to set up surveillance mechanisms or early warning systems to rapidly detect peaks in climate-related diseases and thus avoid a high mortality rate. Therefore, epidemics cannot be adequately treated.
1 - R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (ed.), Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Appropriate techniques need to be identified to meet health needs, e.g., Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, comprehensive preventive health kits combining vaccination, nutrition and water Geneva, IPCC, 2014.
supply, which can really help reduce mortality rates in certain areas. Climate change 2 - N.P. Gleiditsch, “Wither the weather? Climate change and conflict” inJournal of Peace Research, scientists must be consulted in order to find sustainable solutions that are as 49 (1): 3-9, 2012.
environmentally friendly as possible, and which can be implemented by communities. 3 - Katie Peters, Leigh Mayhew, Hugo Slim, Maartenn van Aalst and Julie Arrighi, Double vulnerability: the humanitarian implications of intersecting climate and conflict risk, March 2019.
Humanitarian organisations are also working with communities to find mechanisms 4 - K. Peters and J. Vivekananda, Topic guide: conflict, climate and environment. Evidence on Demand, to strengthen their resilience and capacity to cope with the combined shocks of London: Department for International Development, 2014.
armed conflict and the effects of climate change. However, solutions cannot come 5 - Katie Peters, Leigh Mayhew, Hugo Slim, Maartenn van Aalst and Julie Arrighi, Double vulnerability: the solely from the humanitarian sector; they hinge on collective efforts that should be humanitarian implications of intersecting climate and conflict risk, op. cit. initiated and coordinated by governments and other stakeholders in order to have a 6 - ICRC, Health Care in Danger. Emergency Statement, Geneva, ICRC, 2011. global impact. 7 - Katie Peters, Leigh Mayhew, Hugo Slim, Maartenn van Aalst and Julie Arrighi, Double vulnerability: the humanitarian implications of intersecting climate and conflict risk, op. cit.
8 - D. Tanzler, A. Carius and A. Maas, “The need for conflict sensitive adaptation to climate change” in G. Debalko, L. Herzer, S. Null, M. Parker and R. Stickler (eds.), Backdraft: the conflict potential of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Environmental Change and Security Program Report, 14:2, Washington DC, Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, 2013.
74 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Example of good practice Our recommendations
In its analysis, the ICRC is increasingly taking into account economic security, water and habitat management programmes, the impact of climate change and risks to people, their livelihoods, resilience and environment. The aim is to design programmes that can help > Integrate climate risk into operational planning in an armed populations adopt practices that mitigate their vulnerability to climate conflict context in a coherent manner, including through change effects, for example by developing crops that are more drought- funding based on forecasts and appropriate techniques, such resistant, for local farmers, or by working with local health structures and support centres. The analysis of potential community programmes as emergency preventive health programmes, water supply on the local environment is now specifically considered. This approach systems and capacity-building for communities and local integrates both the health impacts of climate change and the health authorities, including their health facilities. impacts of conflict. > Build community resilience through a participatory approach: acting for and with communities in an integrated manner, while drawing on their knowledge and expertise.
> Strengthen coordination between local authorities and humanitarian operators in order to avoid creating parallel aid systems.
> Mobilise policymakers and the public to urge governments and warring parties to respect their legal obligations, in order to ensure access to and quality care for vulnerable persons.
> Encourage mitigation, in the general sense and especially among humanitarian operators, while avoiding possible adverse effects on communities.
PreventingPreventing HealthHealth NeedsNeeds RelatedRelated toto thethe CombinedCombined EffectsEffects ofof ConflictConflict andand ClimateClimate 7575 Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health
76 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 77 CHALLENGE
The destruction of our ecosystems has consequences for human health. Ecosystem services (oxygen production, pollination, water purification, foodstuff production, etc.) protect our environment, our resources, our physical and mental health and the planet itself. Preserving and repairing them demands everyone’s involvement, both internationally and locally. Beyond the necessary international commitments, community awareness and involvement - by drawing on their expertise - are at the heart of the 8Protecting Ecosystems solution. to Promote Health
About 60% less wild On 29 July 2019, the world More than 45% of climate vertebrates and 83% less had consumed all the impacts could be avoided and freshwater animals since resources that the planet can more than $50 billion saved by the 1970s. renew in 1 year. conserving or restoring nature. (WWF, 2018) (Global Footprint Network, 2019) (Plos One, 2018)
76 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 77 Observations
According to the 1992 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, an ecosystem is a «dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit.” Today, the planet’s ecosystems are under threat. Mainly by human activities, but climate is a factor and climate change is exacerbating their disappearance.
Extreme weather events and continued global warming are undermining terrestrial and marine biodiversity. According to the French Scientific Committee on Desertification (“Comité scientifique français de la désertification - CSFD”), desertification affects 40% of the world’s submerged lands. In France, 50% of wetlands, such as ponds or bogs, The future of humanitarian disappeared in the second half of the 20th century.1 action also depends on According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), ocean warming preserving ecosystems.” (which has absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat in the climate system to LOUIS-ROGER ESSOLA ETOA, Chair of the Commission on Dense date), acidification, oxygen depletion and changes in nutrient supply are already and Wet Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (CEFDHAC) affecting marine life distribution and abundance. For example, corals, which are home to more than 25% of the world’s known marine species, are also being mistreated: about 30% of the Great Barrier Reef off Australia2 reportedly disappeared with just the summer 2016 heatwave.
The anthropogenic share of this mass destruction is considerable. Tropical forests been fished, with catches peaking in 1996 and declining slowly since then.6 At this rate, are burned and decimated (nearly one hectare per second3) and mangroves uprooted fish farms in Asia Pacific, the world’s most populous region, are likely to reach zero (340.000 hectares per year4) for economic and agricultural reasons. production by 2048.7
The biodiversity that makes up and sustains these ecosystems has been severely Each year, the “Earth Overshoot Day” - the date when the ecological footprint will affected since the 1970s, with about 60% less wild vertebrates (mammals, fish, birds, exceed the planet’s biocapacity - draws closer. According to the NGO Global Footprint reptiles and amphibians) and 83% less freshwater animals.5 The international panel of Network, on 29 July 2019, the world had consumed all the resources that the planet specialised experts on biodiversity (IPBES) estimates that the species extinction rate is can renew in a year. While this may seem akin to a mere announcement effect, the 100-1000 times higher than it was only a few centuries ago. calculation, which takes into account annual consumption figures related to fisheries, livestock, buildings, agricultural land, forest resources, but also the carbon footprint of Other challenges include the growing global population and our endless consumption these various activities, primarily highlights the threat of over-consumption and the of natural resources. Since 1950, more than six billion tonnes of marine resources have urgent need for action and to change our consumption and production patterns.
78 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 79 BASED SO E- LUT R Infrastructure I U c M O Issues T cifi an a N pe ge A e-s a s e d m su - b a p en S N Is e m p t t r o s a y c s P n o h r io e o t c te ra s c o E t t i s o e n Human beings need to preserve ecosystems in order to live in a healthy and R safe environment. Two key reasons for their protection are that their ecosystem services, which benefit humanity, help mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Mitigation is made possible through the absorption of CO2 by certain ecosystems: 31% of greenhouse gases emitted each year are absorbed and conserved by trees, plants and soils.8 Photosynthesis releases oxygen and produces the organic matter required for soil fertilisation. While some ecosystems are victims of climate S change (particularly most marine ecosystems), others are part of the solution. s o e c g i n Adaptation is rendered possible by ecosystem services that affect health, access e t e a l a l l to safe drinking water, food security, and protection from extreme weather events. c h In the medical field, they thus supply the natural products used in traditional medicine (practised by between 30 and 70% of the population depending on the country9) or used in medicine compositions. The biodiversity that constitutes ecosystems also makes it possible to develop biomedical research based on fauna and flora and to discover new treatments. Finally, ecosystems play a role H u s in regulating infectious agents and their transformation could lead to certain m t a efi diseases transmissions. n en we b ll- ity The link between access to safe drinking water, food security and ecosystems is bei ers ng odiv clearer: biodiversity allows water filtration and purification, guaranteeing access to Bi fresh drinking water, which is essential for a healthy life and good hygiene. It also affects foodstuff production, either by supplying it directly to humans, or indirectly by promoting soil productivity (e.g. pollination), and by providing the necessary Source : Cohen-Shacham, E., Walters, G., Janzen, C. and Maginnis, S. (eds.) (2016) resources for agriculture and livestock. This biodiversity must be preserved to the maximum extent possible in order to provide healthy and balanced diets for all.
Finally, ecosystems can also act as natural barriers to extreme weather events. A study published in Plos One states that nature alone, if preserved or restored, Ecosystems thus protect human life and health. Their disappearance, in view of could stave off more than 45% of climate impacts over a 20-year period, saving the rapidly exploding demographics and increasingly frequent and intense climatic more than $50 billion worth of flood damage. hazards, poses a threat to humanity.
Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 78 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C 334998FMS_Schemas_CRF_ENGL.indd 9 13/11/2019 09:2479 Micro-credits are allocated to communities to refrain from unsustainable practices Response and to actively participate in conserving and restoring the environment. If the project is completed and demonstrates a positive outcome, then the credits are transformed into definitive funding. Thus, communities are the winners in every respect.
By integrating environmental components into community support projects and including them in their implementation, the resulting effects are very compelling. In To address the decline and destruction of ecosystems crucial to our health, actions Ethiopia, with the support of local authorities and communities, vegetation has been are being taken to reduce pressure on biodiversity, restore ecosystems, use biological replanted on hill slopes to prevent landslides, with 50% efficiency reported by the resources in a sustainable manner and share the benefits arising from the use of people receiving support to combat impacts of extreme weather phenomena, diversify genetic resources in a fair and equitable manner. nature by growing fruits and vegetables and improve the health of local populations, with a significant decrease in water-borne diseases.13 At the international level, governments party to the Convention on Biological Diversity have adopted a 10-year strategic plan (2011-2020), with 20 ambitious but realistic Yet, without overlooking the contributions of new technologies, it is still essential to targets to be achieved and integrated into national action plans to make ecosystems emphasize the importance of promoting communities and building on their practices resilient in order to continue providing essential services. Micronesia is working and know-how, including traditional know-how, by enhancing and complementing to preserve biodiversity in 30% of marine areas near the coastline and in 20% of them. Finally, let us not underestimate the capacity of nature itself to adapt to terrestrial areas.10 Ghana has been taking measures to combat overfishing. In July climate change. A recent study published in Geology highlights the ability of some 2017, France adopted its national strategy to combat imported deforestation aimed islands and their coral reefs to move and rise when faced with rising waters.14 at ending deforestation caused by importing unsustainable forest or agricultural products by 2030.11 The European Union has adopted a directive pertaining to reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.12
But the proposed solutions also feature at the heart of communities through different approaches or mechanisms. Naturally, awareness-raising and good practice sharing 1 - Nicolas Hulot Foundation For Nature and Man, Climate Change: What role for ecosystems?, 19 April 2017. 2 - Quirin Schiermeier, “Great Barrier Reef saw huge losses from 2016 heatwave” in Nature, 18 April 2018. are an important component of the response: IMPACT (Indigenous Movement for Peace 3 - Deforestation - Forest Hectares Destroyed Worldwide” in Planetoscope (statistics website). Advancement and Conflict Transformation) has been organising an annual camel 4 - Nicolas Hulot Foundation For Nature and Man, Climate Change: What role for ecosystems?, op. cit. caravan along the Ewaso Ngiro River in Kenya since 2013 to facilitate interaction 5 - World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Living Planet Report, 2018. between communities along the river and create dialogue around the need to preserve 6 - Ibid. the ecosystem that sustains them. In Haiti, the project “Paré pas Paré” (Ready or Not), 7 - IPBES, Regional Report on Asia-Pacific Biodiversity and Ecosystems, 2018. 8 - Nicolas Hulot Foundation For Nature and Man, Climate Change: What role for ecosystems?, op. cit. developed by the Indian Ocean Regional Intervention Platform (PIROI) of the French 9 - WHO, Secretariat Report on Traditional Medicine. 56th World Health Assembly, 2003. Red Cross, was set up to raise awareness on disaster risk reduction and thereby 10 - Federated States of Micronesia, 5th National Report of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2014. ecosystem protection. 11 - Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, press kit of the National Strategy to Combat Imported Deforestation 2018-2030, Paris, 2018. Community influence on public authorities is also encouraged, as in the case of the 12 - Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction Manila Bay development in the Philippines, where local residents have been called of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. 13 -International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) with Bahir Dar University, Partners for Resilience upon to make their voices heard. Community involvement may also be established (PfR) Ethiopia Integrated Risk Management Program: Final Evaluation, Addis Ababa, October 2018. through a financial agreement: Wetlands International has successfully established 14 - Megan E. Tuck, Paul S. Kench, Murray R. Ford, Gerd Masselink, “Physical modelling of the response of Biorights, a new innovative financing mechanism based on respect for ecosystems. reef islands to sea-level rise” in Geology, 5 July 2019.
80 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 81 Example of good practice Our recommendations INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT BY PARTNERS FOR RESILIENCE (DUTCH RED CROSS, CARE NEDERLAND, CORDAID, RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT CLIMATE CENTRE AND WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL)
Partners for Resilience works with communities in 11 countries to integrate climate change adaptation and ecosystem management > Mobilise policymakers and the public to urge and restoration into disaster risk reduction. It enables communities governments to comply with their legal obligations in to withstand the impacts of natural hazards and support their development by securing or transforming their livelihoods. terms of protecting and rebuilding ecosystems. > Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary Integrated risk management involves raising community awareness on and multisectoral approach: consider human, animal and the importance of ecosystems and landscapes as livelihoods and buffers ecosystem health as a whole. against climate impacts such as droughts, floods, landslides, etc. > Fund and implement long-term programs to build solid, By integrating the dimensions of climate change and ecosystems, sustainable resilience. integrated risk management addresses not only imminent risks - namely weather risks - but also potential future hazards that could > Strengthen education, from early childhood to lifelong affect communities. For example, in Mali, Partners for Resilience learning, by mobilising all civil society stakeholders (not promotes reasonable and equitable water management by reviewing only schools and families). the irrigation system with the goal of maintaining ecosystem services in wetlands and protecting against natural disasters. > Foster reduction of human activity environmental impact, particularly those of humanitarian operators. Partners for Resilience, by collaborating with institutional, private and association partners, has succeeded in improving the living conditions of communities in the countries of intervention by creating cohesion between all stakeholders around a common interest - protection of natural resources - and by building on existing know-how.
Learn more: partnersforresilience.nl
80 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C ProtectingProtecting Ecosystems Ecosystems to to Promote Promote Health Health 81 81 More sustainable land use, reduced overconsumption and food waste, elimination of forest clearing and burning, reduced use of firewood and reduced greenhouse gas emissions offer real potential for improvement, and would help address climate change issues related to land.”
PANMAO ZHAI, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group I
82 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 83 Land and Climate Change
and surface is a fundamental resource change, especially women, children and the poorest to reconcile the need for production with land according to the Intergovernmental populations. For the most part, those who suffer the protection in order to guarantee people’s food security Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in most are the poorest households in countries in the without harming our environment, while striving to its latest report, Climate Change and southern hemisphere (regions most vulnerable to mitigate climate change. Land (August 2019). The land is under climate change), mostly small producers who depend pressure from anthropogenic activities on subsistence farming, fisheries or livestock farming. Better land management and crop diversification over and climate change. the long term can help address climate change. To However, while climate change affects the land this effect, reforestation and energy crops (bioenergy- LThe frequency and severity of droughts, floods, storms surface, land itself is sometimes an aggravating factor producing crops) are some of the potential solutions. and other climate-induced disasters have intensified in climate change. “Agriculture, forestry and other However, bioenergy must be exploited in a reasonable over the past three decades, amplifying damage in land uses account for 23% of our greenhouse gas manner in order to be considered as renewable and the agricultural sectors of many developing countries, emissions,” stated Jim Skea, Co-Chair of IPCC Working not lead to negative impacts on soils. with the mounting risk of food insecurity, as warned Group III. At this rate, by 2050 the expected level by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United will be 15 Gt of CO2, or 70% of the total acceptable Nations (FAO).1 emissions targeted in 2050, and therefore need to be significantly reduced right away in order to contain Ecosystems are being destroyed, crops ravaged, the temperature rise below 2°C.2 leading to reduced yields and higher prices. As when soil suffers degradation, it becomes less productive: Yet, population growth requires constant land it becomes more difficult to cultivate and loses productivity to ensure food security for all. its capacity to absorb carbon. Food security and livelihoods are thus severely impacted. Part of the solution may come from land itself. 1 - FAO et al., The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2018. “Natural terrestrial processes absorb almost one-third 2 - Tim Searchinger et al., Creating a Sustainable Food Future. A The situation is all the more alarming as it is the most of the carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and Menu of Solutions to Feed Nearly 10 Billion People by 2050, World vulnerable people who suffer the impacts of climate industry,” indicates Jim Skea. It is therefore essential Resources Institute, 2019.
82 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Protecting Ecosystems to Promote Health 83 The French Red Cross facing Climate Change
The French Red Cross has been contributing at its own level, for several years now, to the struggle against the causes and consequences of climate change. This has been reaffirmed at its General Assembly in 2019, in a resolution entitled “Le climat change, La Croix-Rouge française aussi” (The climate changes, the French Red Cross too). You will find hereafter some actions illustrating its involvement in the fields of mitigation and adaptation.
84 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 85 Organisational Social Responsibility
obilisation to address the effects commitment to the common good (volunteers, clothes recycling and clean alternatives to cleaning of climate change takes place employees, students, donors and funders), but also to products, such as at the Savoie Lamartine Early on two levels, as adapting to the serve as models to demonstrate the way forward. Childhood Care Facility; water consumption reduction, present and future consequences such as at the Regional Institute of Health and Social of climate change is critical, Thus, in 2019, the French Red Cross adopted an Training of Occitania; or, the energy performance but so is mitigating its causes. Organisational Social Responsibility (OSR) strategy, inventory, such as at the Regional Delegation of New Climate change mitigation concerns everyone and is relayed across the country by its network of Caledonia. therefore everyone’s responsibility. From individuals, ambassadors. Among the measures taken were: the Mcompanies, associations to governments, everyone establishment of a national carpooling platform; All this is in line with activities based on sustainable can and must commit themselves at their level. opting for contracted green energy at the French development: sustainable, because it promotes Red Cross Campus (administrative services of the activities that are respectful of man and the As a major player in the social and solidarity association); a national strategy for responsible environment, sustainable, because on a long-term economy and international humanitarian action, procurement; awareness-raising on consumption basis for the benefit of all, and sustainable, because the French Red Cross strives to optimise the social methods, such as at the Solferino Residential Facility it no longer pits “mitigation” against “adaptation” or impact of its activities, as well as to control and for Dependent Elderly Persons; a waste management “social” against “environmental.” reduce negative external factors. In other words, this policy, such as at the Margency Children’s Hospital; involves better accountability for the environmental impact of day-to-day activities and strengthening the organisation’s social commitment to all, with the aim “All THYM BUSINESS employees and I are proud to have of continuous improvement. accompanied the French Red Cross in the organization of the world Reducing the environmental footprint of the daily conference on the consequences of climate change, in Cannes in the activities of operators working for the French Red Cross is a major challenge. In this regard, the Red spring of 2019. This partnership is in line with our desire to be an Cross must comply with: actor in raising awareness on climate change and demonstrates our > a duty of responsibility towards assisted populations who suffer the full brunt of climate commitment to raising collective consciousness. As change effects; such, THYM BUSINESS has committed to a voluntary > consistency with regard to the general public and the principles of the International Red Cross and Red CSR approach with a program to offset our carbon Crescent Movement ; emissions by planting nearly 3,000 trees each year. > a duty of exemplary behaviour vis-à-vis operators who rely on the French Red Cross to exercise their GEOFFROY DUBOIS, CEO of THYM BUSINESS
84 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 85 The French Red Cross Helps Combat Causes Climate Change Causes through its Textile Branch
or over 30 years now, the French Red collectors/sorters to recycle surpluses and unsold also consistent with an eco-friendly and ethical Cross has been collecting, sorting, items. In 2012, the French Red Cross signed an approach. Volunteers play a primary role in terms of donating and selling second-hand agreement with ECO-TLC, an eco-organisation, raising public awareness. The goals are to change textiles. This well-established thereby affirming its commitment to the circular behaviour, to alert on waste, to train on the right enterprise is driven by 16.500 economy for sustainable development. sorting gestures, but also to inform people about the volunteers in a network of 600 thrift traceability of the branch and its environmental impact. shops and 300 changing rooms. Solidarity shops, open to all audiences, offer a wide range of second-hand items and add value to what Committed to a new strategy for its textile enterprise, FThanks to the public’s generosity, the French Red would otherwise be discarded. Textile customisation the French Red Cross is currently taking a large-scale Cross collects more than 15,000 tonnes of used or creation workshops are arranged by volunteers approach to strengthen its social and environmental textiles each year, i.e., 7% of the volume collected in local units and in French Red Cross institutions. impact through its network of solidarity shops. The in France. It is also stepping up partnerships with These activities not only foster social ties, but are first results are expected by early 2020.
86 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 87 French Red Cross Youth Committed to the Fight Against Climate Changes
rench Red Cross youth have been challenge that must guide our prevention actions of the French Red Cross on these issues, the “compass committed to environmental issues and our daily practices, and promote sustainable of our commitment” as mentioned by members of for 10 years. This day-to-day hands- humanitarian action.” the general assembly of the association in 2019. on commitment is embodied in the They adopted a landmark resolution: “The climate is International Red Cross and Red Since then, young people have been regularly changing, so is the French Red Cross.” Crescent Movement Youth Declaration implementing measures, including raising awareness Drawing on this dynamic, on 24 August 2019 the (2009), which calls on National Societies and the on environmental issues. Examples include “L’île youth organised a task day titled “Our Climate international community to “adapt to climate coule” (sinking island) on the topic of climate-related Priorities!” with more than 70 volunteers, to inspire, Fchange and respond to disasters.” The rallying migration and “Tri-attitude” (sorting-attitude) on question, project, launch and initiate. After a morning call is extended in the Youth Declaration of the waste sorting. This is a long-term commitment and, specifically devoted to the question “Why is it urgent French Red Cross (2010), which states that young in 2018, the young people highlighted climate change to act as the French Red Cross?” the participants people particularly want to invest in environmental and the environment as topics that motivate them to worked on three topics: protection and thus “rise to the environmental get involved. Young people are indeed the driving force > Social inequalities, environmental inequalities: for and with vulnerable people. > Population resilience and social ties: for and with the general public. > Minimising the Red Cross carbon footprint: for volunteers and employees.
The participants provided very comprehensive work that proposes ambitious actions and goals, in order to involve the entire French Red Cross in this dynamic. Among the priorities highlighted by participants were: > The need to adapt our actions to the environment and the needs of target audiences. > Reducing our carbon footprint. > Strengthening social ties and including all those concerned in all our actions. > Information, awareness and education.
86 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 87 The French Red Cross Response to Climate Change Overseas and Internationally: the Example of Regional Intervention Platforms
ince the early 2000s, the French Red Cross has been operating three Regional Intervention Platforms (PIR) for regions to the southwest of the Indian Ocean (PIROI, based in the Reunion), the Caribbean and Central America region (PIRAC, based in Guadeloupe) and in the SSouth Pacific region. These regions are highly exposed to natural hazards, whether of geological or climatic origin (cyclones and tropical storms, floods, droughts, forest fires). Over the past decade, several million people have been affected by so-called “natural” disasters in these regions, whose increasing intensity is linked to global warming, which in turn affects ocean temperatures and hurricane trajectories. Governments, particularly island states in these areas, often struggle to cope with the consequences of such disasters. Moreover, climate variability and change also result in increased vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever, and diarrhoeal diseases.
PIRs are involved with disaster risk management and climate change adaptation at several levels:
88 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 89 Advocacy activities
PIRs intercede with governments to better integrate natural disaster and health risk management as well as climate change impacts into national and international policies. They also ensure that disaster risk reduction becomes a national priority, especially through youth prevention.
Risk prevention
PIR awareness-raising activities are aimed at disseminating the risk culture and knowledge of the major natural and health risks associated with climate change to as many people as possible. The Reunion-based “Paré pas Paré” (ready or not) is a good example of a successful project that involves the communities through many activities and original educational tools for the general public and schools.
Disaster preparedness
Approximately 10 warehouses containing basic humanitarian supplies and emergency equipment (shelter, water treatment and sanitation, essential non-food Disaster response Post-emergency items), as well as prior installation of water purification plants, provide a rapid, effective and efficient response to The French Red Cross PIRs have emergency response units PIRs also respond after emergencies by rehabilitating and the needs of populations in the event of disasters. made up of professionals (technical advisors for water rebuilding populations’ infrastructure and livelihoods, and sanitation, public health and telecommunications) improving access to essential services (water, sanitation, The development or strengthening of contingency plans, and regional disaster response teams, consisting of hygiene, etc.) and promoting better climate-friendly early warning systems and epidemiological surveillance volunteers and employees of the National Red Cross planning and construction models. also serve this purpose. and Red Crescent Societies, who have been selected for their solid experience in emergency response. They Between 2019 and 2021, the “Agence Française de Finally, human resources remain essential to disaster also have physical and logistical means, complementary Développement - AFD” (French Development Agency) and preparedness, which involves strengthening National to and integrated into the relief chain, ready to be Interreg Caraïbes will offer €8 million in funding for a Societies’ response teams and training volunteers and rapidly deployed to set up distribution operations project to reduce the impact of natural disasters, health employees in the fields of emergency water treatment, (hygiene kits, temporary shelters, kitchen, tools for crises and the effects of climate change on the populations logistics, basic health care, telecommunications, first aid reconstruction), but also water supply, basic health care of the three ocean basins where the PIRs and their partners and management. and telecommunications operations. are the main operators.
88 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C The French Red Cross and Climate Change 89 90 90 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C 91 THIRD PART Our Nine Recommendations
Consolidate our knowledge: develop multidisciplinary research 1 Promote education and reduce inequalities to reduce and build on science to better understand climate change, its direct 6 vulnerabilities to climate change, ignorance and precariousness and indirect effects on health and propose appropriate and innovative given their role in multiplying risks and consequences. responses.
2 Understand human, animal and ecosystem health as a whole: one Earth, one health. 7 Increase and enhance the efficiency of long-termfunding for adaptation programmes, to build strong and sustainable resilience by increasing the share of funding dedicated to 3 In the name of the principle of humanity, legally recognise the adaptation, in addition to developing forecast-based funding. right to a healthy and safe environment, on an international scale.
4 Develop collective climate diplomacy, based on evidence and 8 Everyone must play an active role: reduce the environmental testimony in order to advocate for the most vulnerable people and do impact of our humanitarian actions and our activities in general. proposals in view of climate change.
Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary approach 5 Promote fairer development models that are more respectful that builds on the culture and know-how of each community, while 9 of ecosystems and people in all their dimensions: the climate strengthening social and intergenerational ties: the interdependence of crisis is also an opportunity to rethink our economic and social climate change consequences demands a comprehensive, participatory models. and inclusive approach.
90 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C OurNos Recommendations recommandations 91 91 Thematic Recommendations
CHALLENGE 1 CHALLENGE 3 - During crises to limit the risk of exacerbated Mitigating Health Risks Related to Preventing Epidemic Risks: Community- consequences on their mental health. This entails Disasters Based Approach and Public Health providing support activities such as psychological first aid or “child-friendly spaces.” > Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary > Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary - In post-crisis recovery, or as backing for continued and multisectoral approach: closely link disaster risk and multisectoral approach: consider human, animal and adaptation to climate change effects, in order to foster reduction and public health development. ecosystem health as a whole. positive constitution or reconstitution of individuals and > Build community resilience through a participatory > Build community resilience through a participatory communities. approach: acting for and with communities in an approach: train and endow populations with capacities integrated manner, while drawing on their knowledge for monitoring, early warning and response, promotion and expertise. of good practices, in order to better contribute to > Ensure continuity of health care after disasters and health systems. CHALLENGE 5 among the least accessible populations and raise their > Develop research and use science to better Addressing Food Insecurity and awareness on the importance of their health, which is understand climate change and its direct and indirect Malnutritionn often neglected in favour of basic needs such as food effects on health and propose appropriate responses. and shelter. > Build community resilience through a > Develop forecast-based funding for an early, multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach for appropriate and effective response. greater effectiveness and efficiency: associate food CHALLENGE 4 security, health and health care, sanitation and Addressing Mental Health and livelihoods. Psychosocial Support Needs > Build community resilience through a participatory approach: acting for and with communities in an CHALLENGE 2 > Build resilience of individuals and communities by integrated manner, while drawing on their knowledge Adapting to Heatwaves in Urban Areas designing appropriate, positive messages. The messages and expertise. > Engage all levels: individuals, communities, must incorporate behaviours designed to limit climate > Act at all levels, from individuals to policymakers, education systems, health services, all the way to change, while ensuring that everyone continues to adopt households, communities, health services, the policymakers. a positive growth mindset in keeping with an outlook education system; communicate and raise awareness. > Generalise early warning systems. Goal: 500 million that accounts for consequences of climate change. > Fund and implement long-term programs while people reached and informed by 2030. > Build community resilience through a participatory building solid, sustainable resilience; develop > Strengthen social ties for greater solidarity and more approach: act for and with communities, by forecast-based funding. effective communication. strengthening social ties and community solidarity > Strengthen nutritional care by accounting for > Generalise green solutions in cities (planting, cool while respecting their cultural values. malnutrition as a whole (undernutrition and areas) by drawing on nature (trees, plants, water). > Include continuous psychosocial support at all stages: overnutrition). > Make the National Red Cross and Red Crescent - Prior to crises in a consistent manner in order to boost > Strengthen innovative practices and methods Societies catalysts for action: they must be the driving social cohesion and the capacity for resilience. These such as early warning systems as well as rapid and force behind new initiatives and promote solutions actions also entail strengthening humanitarian operators’ safe cash transfers. that work. capacities through appropriate training and support.
92 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C 93 CHALLENGE 6 Addressing the Health Challenges > Strengthen coordination between local authorities and of Climate-Induced Population humanitarian operators in order to avoid creating parallel Movements aid systems. > Mobilise policymakers and the public to urge > Establish universal health coverage to ensure access governments and warring parties to respect their legal to basic health care for all, regardless of individuals’ obligations, in order to ensure access to and quality care administrative status. for vulnerable persons. > Provide early psychological support, upstream > Encourage mitigation, in the general sense and of population movements, to persons at risk of especially among humanitarian operators, while avoiding displacement. THE COMMISSION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS possible adverse effects on communities. > Deploy health centres along migratory routes, within “humanitarian services points,” and develop tools that Climate change concerns all of us, and we should expect its make it possible to monitor the health of people in consequences to be higher in number and more intense in the future. To this effect, the solutions to be implemented transit, and which are endowed with the capacity to must focus on a long-term perspective, so as to account for protect their personal data, and avoid interruption of CHALLENGE 8 future generations. treatment. Protecting Ecosystems to Promote > Provide access to primary health and psychological Because these issues are crucial to their future, and, Health because no lasting solution can be established without support services in all camps and places where migrants > Mobilise policymakers and the public to urge the people’s input, the Cannes World Conference “Taking are detained. Care of Humankind at +2°C” sought to consult with the governments to comply with their legal obligations in > Adapt the infrastructure of camps hosting migrant youth and take their solutions into account, by assembling terms of protecting and rebuilding ecosystems. populations to make them resilient to natural a Commission for Future Generations. Composed of 25 > Build community resilience through a multidisciplinary disasters, to limit the risk of contagion and maintain community-focused young leaders from all over the world, and multisectoral approach: consider human, animal and the Commission reflected on challenges related to climate hygienic conditions that mitigate spreading of certain ecosystem health as a whole. change adaptation and mobilisation. pathologies. > Fund and implement long-term programs to build During the discussions, around 15 countries were solid, sustainable resilience. represented, with 15 women and 10 men, bringing together > Strengthen education, from early childhood to lifelong a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and opinions (KEA learning, by mobilising all civil society stakeholders (not Medicals, Young Leaders for Health, Game Lab, IFMSA, One Young World Europe, CliMates, EHESP, HealthSetGo, CHALLENGE 7 only schools and families). European Students’ Union, MP Productions). Along with the Preventing Health Needs Related to > Foster reduction of human activity environmental 6 members from the French Red Cross, 19 participants came the Combined Effects of Conflict and impact, particularly those of humanitarian operators. from the medical, scientific, association, academic, digital Climate Change and communication communities, thus emphasizing the willingness and need to open up to others in order to rise to > Integrate climate risk into operational planning in an a challenge common to all humanity. armed conflict context in a coherent manner, including Under the leadership of Marie-Esther Rouffet, the through funding based on forecasts and appropriate Commission for Future Generations met during the two techniques, such as emergency preventive health days of the conference. Its distinctiveness resided in the programmes, water supply systems and capacity-building absence of imposed restrictions or agenda, in order to offer for communities and local authorities, including their a fresh and novel perspective. The conference resulted in participants developing a plea, #Act4ClimHealth, as well as health facilities. a practical tool that aims to mobilise people around climate > Build community resilience through a participatory and health issues. approach: acting for and with communities in an integrated manner, while drawing on their knowledge and expertise.
92 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Our Recommendations 93 93 Conclusion
94 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Conclusion 95 Our Responsibility
Beyond the sometimes-prevailing sense of powerlessness given the gravity and Humanitarian operators and the International Red Cross urgency of the situation, we have the capacity to limit the causes and consequences and Red Crescent Movement as a whole have a key role of climate change. The combination of mitigation and adaptation actions must begin with a good understanding of the phenomena, their complexity and interdependence. to play
The consequences of climate change on health may sometimes seem abstract or The consequences of climate change act as a catalyst for vulnerabilities. They distant to some, but they are present, increasingly serious, and threaten the very mainly affect already fragile populations and generate new vulnerabilities. Indeed, existence of some island states. Their severity and characteristics may vary from humanitarian operators’ activities are already affected by climate change, will season to season or from one region to another, but they are increasingly noticeable. continue to be affected, and they will need to account for these changes to a greater However, health remains the poor relation in addressing climate change with only extent in the future. 0.5% of global funding dedicated. Whether in terms of assisting vulnerable populations on a daily basis or during crises, humanitarian workers are already at the forefront in terms of dealing with the health consequences of climate change. Their experience, expertise and capacity to act, both The health consequences of climate change are serious, globally and locally, are valuable. complex, and some are unknown Finally, they are endowed with a major asset in overcoming the current deadlock: the trust of the majority. Indeed, they can rely on a firm community presence, but The consequences of climate change are complex because they affect health directly also on their ability to engage with other operators, to cooperate with all types of and indirectly: directly during natural disasters or epidemics, for example due to stakeholders and to mobilise as many people as possible. increased mortality and morbidity; indirectly through disruption of health systems or decline of social determinants related to health (food insecurity, migration, conflict, etc.). While most of these consequences have been presented in this paper, the spectrum of future consequences is broader, often irreversible and, in part, still unknown. The health consequences of climate change require us to thoroughly revise our thinking Moreover, in terms of both causes and consequences, it is almost impossible to isolate a single climatic factor. For example, poor harvests due to limited and difficult access to resources, extreme drought and community tensions can have impacts on food This is the first time ever that humanity is facing challenges of this magnitude in security, physical and mental health, financial resources, population movements, the its history, and the means at our disposal are inadequate. They are not conducive exacerbation of latent conflicts, etc. The interconnectedness of the various causes and to designing global or long-term solutions. Given the complexity of climate change, sectors affected by climate change must be integrated into our response and therefore the seriousness of the health consequences and the intricacy of the various sectors requires caution and a good knowledge of all the issues. affected, the response must be comprehensive and collective.
94 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Conclusion 95 Comprehensive, as it must associate mitigation and adaptation measures above all. The health consequences of climate change require new Indeed, the effects of climate change cannot be addressed without addressing its and tailor-made responses causes as well. Ecosystems must be protected, carbon impact limited, culture of waste abandoned and rational consumption encouraged. In order to deploy resources commensurate with the challenges, we need to be creative; we need to invent new solutions and to innovate. The unprecedented and sometimes Comprehensive still, because we need a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach. obscure nature of the health consequences of climate change calls for measured Because the impact of climate change on health is multifaceted, responses will have action, which can only be achieved by leaving much room for experimentation. to go beyond the usual isolated approach to thought and action. We must involve humanitarian operators, researchers, scientists, economists, doctors, donors, etc., in the Paradoxically, however, innovation in this context means returning to our most service of an integrated and holistic response. fundamental principle: Humanity. Climate change violates a number of individual and collective rights. More and more citizens are taking legal action to have their right It is in this sense that the response must be collective and requires cooperation to health and a healthy environment recognised. The right to safe drinking water between the various stakeholders. Whether it is governments, businesses, citizens, and sanitation was recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in July 2000. research, associations or international organisations, none of them have the means to The Oslo Principles on Climate Change Obligations set forth that each individual is act alone. It is therefore a matter of building and promoting new models of partnership entitled to the “right to live in an ecologically healthy environment conducive to his and cooperation. or her health, well-being, dignity, culture and development.” Similarly, the French Constitutional Charter for the Environment dated 2004 states in its first article that Collective and participatory, because communities affected by climate change impacts “everyone has the right to live in an environment that is balanced and respectful of must be part of the solution, by placing their knowledge and know-how at the very health.” heart of the action. Indeed, only a participatory approach will help build populations’ resilience in a lasting way. For more than 150 years, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been defending vulnerable people when their humanity and most basic rights are violated. Need we even mention that Henry Dunant, Founder of the Movement, initiated international humanitarian law in the 19th century, with the visionary goal of protecting the forgotten in battlefields, the most vulnerable who suffer the effects of hostilities Let’s build together stronger without having contributed to them? and more united societies One of the main challenges of the 21st century is climate change and its impact on human health. Thus, it is our duty to advocate for the most vulnerable, in order to and people restore their dignity and their most fundamental rights. It is our duty to advocate in the face for each individual’s right to a healthy environment before public and private decision-makers. It is our duty to work towards a humanity that is aware of its limits, of climate change-related is respectful and altruistic. It is our duty to not give up, to not forge ahead with resignation, and not to extinguish the hopes of a concerned youth. It is our duty disasters in France and to listen to scientists and to trust field operators. It is our duty to hold everyone around the world!” accountable. And it starts with ourselves.
JEAN-CHRISTOPHE COMBE, Managing Director of the Stéphane Rémael@LaCompany French Red Cross
96 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Conclusion 97 96 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Conclusion 97 Acknowledgements
Professor Jean-Jacques Eledjam, President of the French Red Cross, would like to thank the following people for their contribution to this report and to the success of the 2019 World Conference “Health and Climate Change. Taking care of humankind at +2°C.”
Dr. Maarten K. van Aalst, Director of the Red Cross and Red Prof. Francis Bonnet, Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Nancy Claxton, Senior Health Promotion Officer at the Community Crescent Climate Centre and member of the Intergovernmental Care at the Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie Faculty Health and Emergency Service, International Federation of Red Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of Medicine - Paris VI University, President of the Federation Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the Tenon/Saint-Antoine Omar Abou-Samra, Director of the Preparedness Programmes Susan Clayton, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology, Intercommunal Hospital Centre of the American Red Cross and the Global Disaster Preparedness College of Wooster, and Member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Centre (GDPC) Prof. Philippe Breton, Professor Emeritus at the University of Climate Change (IPCC) Strasbourg Mike Adamson, Executive Director of the British Red Cross Dick Clomén, Project Manager, Red Cross and Red Crescent Prof. François Bricaire, Professor of Medicine, Member of the Movement Project on Addressing Mental Health Consequences of Malika Aït-Mohamed Parent, International Independent French National Academy of Medicine Armed Conflicts, Natural Disasters and other Emergencies Anti-Corruption Expert, International Anti-Corruption Academy (Austria), Former Under-Secretary General of Governance and Prof. Jacques Bringer, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Minister of State to the President of the Management Service at the International Federation of Red Cross French Red Cross Foundation Republic of Senegal and Red Crescent Societies (IFCR), Geneva Fernando Briones, Researcher at the University of Colorado- Natalia Corro Barrientas, Disaster Risk Reduction Programme Francis Akindes, Professor of Political and Economic Sociology, Boulder, member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Coordinator, Americas-Caribbean Response Platform (PIRAC) National Coordination of Civil Protection in Mexico Alassane Ouattara University, Bouaké (Ivory Coast) Philippe Da Costa, National Secretary of the French Red Cross Jean-Louis de Brouwer, Director of Operations at the European Cécilie Alessandri, Head of the Psychosocial Division at the Amy Davison, Head of Climate Change at the Environmental Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection International Relations and Operations Department of the French Management Department of the City of Cape Town (South Africa) Red Cross and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Jacqueline Deroin de Gaillande, Secretary General of the Vanuatu Dr. Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Climate Change and Health Bastien Alex, Co-Director of the Geopolitical Observatory of Red Cross climate change impacts in terms of security and defence, French Team Leader, Public Health and Environment Department, World Regional Technical Advisor for health and Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) Health Organisation (WHO) Anne-Sophie Desmaris, nutrition for West and Central Africa, French Red Cross Gema Arranz Benito, Delegate at the Livelihood Centre, Africa Dr. Emanuele Capobianco, Director for Health and Care at New Partnerships and Development Funding Region, Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Johanna Durand, (IFRC) Mission, French Research Institute for Development (IRD) Prof. Florence Askenazy, Professor of Child and Adolescent Chairman of the Commission for Dense Psychiatry, University of Nice, Head of the University Department Frédéric Casier, Legal Adviser on International Humanitarian Law Louis Roger Essola Etoa, and Humid Forest Ecosystems of Central Africa (CEFDHAC) of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lenval University Hospital, (IHL) and Relations with the Movement at the Belgian Red Cross Member of the Paris Psychoanalytic Society Dr. Simon Cauchemez, Head of the Mathematical Modelling of Tarek Ezzine, Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues, International Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) Jozef Bartovic, Technical Officer, Migration and Health Programme, World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office Laurent Chambaud, Director of the École des hautes études en Laurent Fabius, President of the French Constitutional Council, for Europe santé publique (EHESP) former President of COP 21
98 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C 99 Vincent Falgairou, Head of technical expertise Department at the Cheikh Kane, Climate Resilience Policy Advisor, Red Cross and Red Thuy-Binh Nguyen, Technical Advisor Disaster Risk Reduction/ French Red Cross Crescent Climate Centre Climate Change Adaptation, French Red Cross Thierry Fauveaux, Territorial Director for the West Indies and Dr. Karounga Keita, Director Sahel of Wetlands International Dorothy Mwari Nkonge-Ngumbau, Danish Red Cross Country Emergency Coordinator for the Atlantic zone at the French Red Cross Prof. Dominique Kerouedan, Professor at Sciences-Po Paris, Global Coordinator for Kenya Eloi Fiquet, Anthropologist and Historian, Lecturer at the Ecole des Health Specialist Kathryn Ogden, Nutrition-Sensitive Programme Officer, World Food hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS) Jimmy Kilang, Vice-President of the South Sudan Red Cross Programme (WFP) Dr. Fathy Flefel, Director of the Palestinian Red Crescent Soenke Kreft, Director of the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative Dr. Christophe Paquet, Head of the Health and Social Protection Psychosocial Department (MCII) Division at the French Development Agency (AFD) Isao Frank, Executive Director and Secretary General of the Karine Laaidi, Climate and Health Project Manager, Public Health Serge Paugam, Sociologist, Curriculum Director at the École des Micronesian Red Cross France hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS), Research Director at Dr. Françoise Fromageau, Vice-President of the French Red Cross the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) Juriaan Lahr, Director of International Operations at the Dutch Red Foundation Cross Magali Payen, President of MP Productions, youtuber and initiator JC Gaillard, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland of the #onestprêt movement ("we are ready” movement) Koby Langley, Senior Vice-President of International Services and Sujoud Ghallab, Deputy Risk Manager, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross Dr. Alex Pinano, President of the Marshall Islands Red Cross Stéphanie Giron, Policy Officer, Social Inclusion and Access to Alessia Lefebure, Doctor of Sociology, Director of Studies at the Gautier Pirotte, Professor of Development Socio-Anthropology, Fundamental Rights Unit, Social Action Department, French Red Cross École des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP) University of Liège, Belgium Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Virginie Le Masson, Research Associate, Overseas Development Sylvain Ponserre, Coordinator Internal Displacement Monitoring Africa, Co-chair of the UHC2030 Steering Committee Institute (ODI) Centre (IDMC), Norwegian Refugee Council Lasha Goguadze, Focal point for Health and Migration, Health Dr. Vijay Limaye, Climate Change and Health Science Fellow, Priya Prakash, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HealthSetGo Department, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Science Centre, Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), Joseph O. Prewitt Diaz, Psychologist and Mental Health Advisor in Crescent Societies (IFRC) Member of The Global Consortium on Climate and Health disaster situations for the American Red Cross Stéphane Gompertz, Writer and Diplomat Education Philippe Quénel, Director of Laboratory for Study and Research Prof. Marie-Christine Gros-Favrot, National Administrator at the David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and Vice-President of in Environment and Health (LERES), at École des hautes études en French Red Cross the Association des maires de France et des présidents santé publique (EHESP) d’intercommunalité (AMF) Jean-François Guégan, Research Professor at the French National Dr. Stanislas Rebaudet, Clinical infectious disease Doctor and Institute for Research on Sustainable Development (IRD) and at the Kirsi Madi, Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Epidemiologist, Marseille Public Hospitals French National Institute of Research for Agriculture (INRA) Reduction (UNISDR) Dr. Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Prof. Sir Andy Haines, Chairman of the Commission on Planetary Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Under-Secretary-General for Partnerships Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and of the Italian Red Health at Lancet and Rockefeller Foundation at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Cross Societies (IFRC) Cyrielle Hariel, Impact Journalist, “Changemaker” and Author Cristina Romanelli, Programme Director, CBD-WHO Joint Director of the Centre for Climate Change Claus Haugaard Sorensen, Former Director of European Prof. Edward Maibach, Programme on Biodiversity & Health Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department Communication (George Mason University) and senior advisor of François de Rugy, former Minister of State, former Minister of (ECHO) The Medical Society Consortium on Climate Change and Health Ecological and Solidarity Transition Prof. Hiroshi Higashiura, Representative appointed by the Marina Maiero, Technical Officer, Health and Climate Change Alexandra Rüth, Head of Task force “Humanitarian Adaptation to President of the Japanese Red Cross Team, World Health Organisation (WHO) Climate Change” (Forecast-Based Funding), German Red Cross Prof. Dorothea Hilhorst, Professor, International Institute of Social Michel Maietta, Director, Analysis and Strategy at Actions Against Prof. Philippe Ryfman, Professor and Honorary Associate Studies (ISS), Erasmus University, Rotterdam Hunger (ACF-UK), Initiator and Facilitator, Interagency Regional Researcher at the Department of Political Science and the European Analysts Network (IARAN) Cindy Holleman, Senior Economist, Agricultural Development Centre for Sociology and Political Science of the Sorbonne (CESSP- Economics Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the Dr. Esperanza Martinez, Head of the Health Department at the Sorbonne), University of Paris I, Panthéon-Sorbonne United Nations (FAO) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Dr. Halima Saado Abdillahi, Director of Research and Learning at Annemarie Huber-Hotz, President of the Swiss Red Cross, Vice- Prof. Jean-François Mattei, former Minister, Professor of Medicine, the International Centre for Humanitarian Affairs, Kenyan Red Cross President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Member of the French National Academy of Medicine, Honorary Dr. Mohammad Salim Bahramand, Director of Health, Afghan Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) President of the French Red Cross Crescent Society (formerly UK Oxfam) Diane Issard, Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC) Prof. Camilo Mora, Professor, University of Hawaii Bruno Jochum, former Director General of Médecins sans frontières/ Prof. Virginia Murray, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction, Public Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Geneva Operational Centre Health England .../...
98 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C Acknowledgements 99 Éric Sam-Vah, Deputy Head of Delegation at French Red Cross COMMISSION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS: Fernanda Matsuoka, Logistics Director of Youth Climate Leaders Indian Ocean Regional Response Platform (PIROI) (an intergenerational movement to catalyse climate action by Régis Savioz, Head of the Delegation of the International Arielle Ahouansou, Founder of KEA Medicals (start-up specialised providing young people with training, networks and concrete Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in France in digital health offering the “universal medical identity card”), opportunities to start their careers in the field of climate Benin change), Brazil Prof. Doris Schopper, Member of the Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Professor at the Faculty of Martin Blomer, Young Leaders For Health (interdisciplinary Morgane Ollier, President of CliMates (Think and Do International Medicine of the University of Geneva and Director of the Centre for platform for sharing health-related knowledge and opportunities Tank on Climate Change that brings together volunteers, students Education and Research in Humanitarian Action, former President among young people), Germany and young professionals), France of Médecins sans frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Alexander Boccia, Scientific collaborator at the Cologne Game Magali Payen, President of MP Productions, youtuber and initiator Switzerland Lab (institute for the development of games and entertainment of the #onestprêt movement (“we are ready” movement) Dr. Joy Shumake-Guillemot, Co-Chair of Global Heat Health applications), Germany Priya Prakash, Founder and CEO of HealthSetGo (a programme for Information Network (GHHIN), World Health Organisation/World Victor Bygodt, Youth Dynamics Coordinator at the French Red Indian schools promoting health and global education, currently Meteorological Organisation Climate and Health Office Cross, France reaching 150,000 schoolchildren), India Dr. Agnès Soucat, Director of Health Systems Governance and Cécile Choley, Administrator and 2018-2020 Delegate of Young Bas van Rossum, President of the Youth Commission of the Financing, World Health Organisation (WHO) Climate Ambassadors (association for young people seeking to get International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Netherlands Pablo Suarez, Associate Director for Research and Innovation at the involved in the fight against global warming) Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre Katja Cic, Director of Public Health, International Federation of Marie-Esther Rouffet, National Administrator of the French Red Cross and Member of the Youth Commission of the International Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General of the International Federation of Medical Student Associations (federation of 135 medical student Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), France Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Founding member of associations in 125 countries), Slovenia the Global Commission on Adaptation Gaëtan Congar, National Administrator of the French Red Cross, Axel Sengenes-Cros, Regional Manager of the Alpes-Maritimes France Youth Dynamics at the French Red Cross, France Michael Szoenyi, Head of Flood Resilience Programme, Zurich Insurance Anne Dona-Hie, Europe Coordinator of One Young World (Davos Monika Skadbord, Member of the Executive Committee of the Youth Forum), France European Students’ Union (European Federation of European Tonje Tingberg, Public Health Emergency Coordinator, Norwegian Student Associations and Unions), Denmark Red Cross Jennifer Erlikh, Board Member, Public Health Master’s Students Association, École des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP), Lama Srour, Vice-President of the Youth Commission of the Mariam Traore Chazalnoel, Migration, Environment and Climate Canada International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Change Expert, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Tarek Ezzine, Public Health Liaison Officer, International (IFRC), Lebanon Managing Director of the French Red Cross Foundation Virginie Troit, Federation of Medical Student Associations (federation of 135 Marie-Agnès Tur, Head of the ‘‘Future of International Action’’ medical student associations in 125 countries), Tunisia mission, French Red Cross Charlotte Grimont, Volunteer at the French Red Cross, France Sendy Veerabadren, Head of Delegation at the Americas- Tanya Herfurth, Board Member of Young Leaders For Health EDITORIAL BOARD: Virginie Streit-Guérinel (general coordination), Caribbean Regional Response Platform (PIRAC) (interdisciplinary platform for sharing health-related knowledge Cécilie Alessandri, Nathalie Bassaler, Eric Berlemont, Marine Dr. Nick Watts, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown and opportunities among young people), Germany Bouniol, Francine Bulté, Victor Bygodt, Simon Cahen, Eric Carrey, Frédéric Casier, Pierre Catalan, Florent Clouet, Charlene Ducrot, Nana Wiedemann, Director of the International Federation of Fabien Jaffre, President and contact person of the European Cheikh Kane, Benjamin Lagrange, Guillaume Lesage, Laurence Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Reference Centre for Youth Network at the French Red Cross, France Méoulle, Thuy-Binh Nguyen, Bénédicte Renaud-Boulesteix, Psychosocial Support Shaquille Knowles, Vice-President of International Affairs, Benjamin Richard, Alain Rissetto, Bernard Simon, Charlotte Sorin, Cécile Wils, Head of the Water, Sanitation, Food Security and National Youth Council of the Bahamas and President of the Marie-Agnès Tur, Cécile Wils. Construction Division, International Relations and Operations Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Bahamas Department, French Red Cross Andrea Lavarello, Board Member, Association of Public Health Master’s Students of the École des hautes études en Santé publique (EHESP), Italy The Professor Jean-Jacques Eledjam thanks all the services Alexandra Lutz, President of CliMates (Think and Do International of the French Red Cross and our partners for the organization of Tank on Climate Change that brings together volunteers, students the world conference “Health and Climate Change. Taking care of and young professionals), France humankind at +2°C.”
100 TAKING CARE OF HUMANKIND AT +2°C NP Photo credits : Nicolas Beaumont, Daniel Beguin, Guillaume Binet/MYOP, CICR, Croix-Rouge française, Rodney Dekker, Simon Dupont, FICR, Thierry Gassmann/CICR, Christophe Hargoues, Anisa Hussein/CICR, Frédéric Joli, Felix Laframboise, Marco Di Lauro/CICR , Carol Lumingu/CICR, Jean-Luc Luyssen, Rémy Marcelin, Benoît Matsha- Carpentier/IFRC, Olivier Matthys/CICR, Sheikh Mehedi Morshed/CICR, Jean-Luc Metzker/CICR, Didier Pazery, Hervé Pilet, Jonathan Pease/CICR, Rufas Rafi Sircar/CICR, Stéphane Rémael/LaCompany, Gabriel Santangelo/CICR, Alyona Synenko/CICR, Sarah Velasco/CICR, Félix Vigne/IMAGEO, Pedram Yazdi/CICR, Mohammed Yerow/CICR, Ali Yousef/CICR, Jacob Zocherman/CICR. FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY
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